Danny Graves is officially a starting pitcher.

        The Reds' former closer gets his second start of the season today, against the Chicago Cubs, and will have two more after that. Depending on how he does, Reds manager Bob Boone said Graves could go into spring training as part of the starting rotation.

        “We'll see in the next three games,” Boone said. “He's got a lot of (different) pitches, and all of his pitches will get better as he uses them more. It will make him more efficient as a starter because he can use his pitches. Plus, I think his stuff is pretty good.”

        Graves had a career-high 32 saves for the second consecutive season before making his first major-league start, Tuesday against Pittsburgh. He threw 38 pitches in three innings.

        “I will still be on a pitch count,” Graves said. “(Boone) said I could get up to 60-70 pitches by the third start.”

        The decision to be a starter was partly Graves'.

        “I told (Boone) the other day I've done all I can in the bullpen,” Graves said. “Let me concentrate on starting. I was very surprised. (Boone) went along with everything I asked for.”

Tell us your feelings about Cinergy farewell Steep ticket prices for Cinergy farewell Cinergy Memories Countdown No. 10: Aaron ties Ruth Frustrated Griffey: Reds fans want to see me fail Reds 3, Cubs 1 Reds Box, Runs Graves adds 3 starts Taylor, Guillen go at each other Dunn under .200 for second half E-mail Q&A with John Fay Reds Chatter: Walker as good as a hit Giants keep wild-card lead

Brown means go for Dillon
Who's got the edge?
Burris on the spot
Keys to the game
Levi Jones' Rookie Journal
Mark's Curnutte's NFL picks
West Virginia 35, UC 32
West Virginia breathes sigh of relief
UC track star jumps into soap operas
Ohio State 25, Washington State 7
LSU 33, Miami 7
Kentucky 27, Indiana 17
Florida A&M breezes in River Front Classic
Hanover 36, Thomas More 3
Pure Prize wins Kentucky Cup Classic
College Update: Kamphake has reason to celebrate
Enquirer Power Rankings
De La Hoya stops Vargas in 11th round
Toledo St. Francis 20, Moeller 6
CHCA 34, CCD 9
Dixie Heights 47, Lloyd 19
NewCath 20, Campbell Co. 2
St. X's Larkin picks Boston College
Taft player OK after collapsing
Bacon beats St. Ursula in volleyball battle of champions
Prep Spotlight: Brian Matlock
Preps Insider: Turpin's Rauen second fastest in U.S.
Kentucky Insider: Road to state volleyball tourney rocky
Boys cross country results
Boys golf results
Boys soccer results
Field hockey results
Girls golf results
Girls soccer schedule
Girls soccer results
Girls tennis results
Girls volleyball results
Boys soccer schedule
Girls cross country results
Volleyball schedule

• Return to Reds front page...