HOUSTON — The topic was who will start for the Reds against Milwaukee on Saturday. Reds manager Bob Boone talked about the possibilities and then said: “Of course, Friday all this could be a moot point.”

        Friday is the date the Players Association has set for a strike. Boone is optimistic the labor dispute can be settled.

        “(But) the rhetoric has heated up,” Boone said. “It's like two cars playing chicken. Each side is hanging their head out the window yelling, "I'm not going to give.' You get one foot apart.... Unfortunately for baseball, there's been a lot of wrecks.”

        This would be the ninth work stoppage since 1972.

        Boone was one of the key players on the PA side in several of those strikes. He said 11th-hour deals are the rule.

        “That's the way it's always been,” he said.

        The Reds conclude their four-game series with the St.Louis Cardinals on Thursday.

        They are scheduled to open a three-game series with Milwaukee at Cinergy Field on Friday. If the players walk, Friday's games will be the first to be wiped out.

Astros 1, Reds 0 Reds Box, Runs Boone remains optimistic Graves garners consideration for his first start Icon in limestone will greet Reds fans Owners make some moves toward players Diamondbacks 7, Cubs 0 Phillies 5, Cardinals 3 Pirates 3, Brewers 2 Braves 7, Dodgers 5

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