A week of vacation (Mexico was nice, thank you) didn't change the subject of the e-mail. At this rate, they might have to rename next weekend's Redsfest "Redsroast." Read on:

From Pete in Oakley: I cannot believe I'm saying this, but Mike Brown actually has a peer in his lowly pit of absolute incompetence and greed. It's too bad for the locals that his peer is Carl Lindner. What did we do as Cincinnatians to deserve the two worst owners in all of sports? I'm with the fan from a couple of weeks ago with my boycott of United Dairy Farmers. It is appalling and downright criminal what Lindner is doing with the Reds.

We were told the Reds needed a new stadium so they could compete. We were told we couldn't sign our own players and free agents without a new stadium. Now that the stadium is here, Carl says no free agent signings, and in fact we need to trade Gabe White and Scott Sullivan because they make too much money!

Response: There are two differences between Brown and Lindner: a.) Lindner doesn't make money off the Reds (he just tries not to lose very much.) and b.) he doesn't run the day-to-day operations. That said, his one big decision - not to lose money even on a short-term basis - makes it nearly impossible for Reds general manager Jim Bowden to compete with the St. Louises and Houstons of the world.

Q, from Randall: It seems to me that if the Reds would spend the money on a quality left-handed starter, one who could win 15 to 20 games, things would be just fine. What do you think?

A: If that left-hander is Tom Glavine, yes, the Reds would go a long way toward catching up with the Cardinals and Astros. But I've seen no evidence they're willing to spend $10 million to $12 million for an impact signing.

Q, from Allen in Cincinnati: I'm not sure why all the worry about the Reds' pitching. At this point, the pitching staff looks better than it has since 1990. I'm more concerned about positions. The way I see the pitching, you have Danny Graves, Elmer Dessens, Ryan Dempster, Jimmy Haynes and a host of good hopefuls (Chris Reitsma, Jose Acevedo, Lance Davis, Ricardo Aramboles, Chris Booker). John Riedling, Scott Williamson, Gabe White, maybe Scott Sullivan should make the bullpen strong. What about the infield?

A: I agree the Reds' pitching has the potential to be good. But potential never won a pennant. To be successful with the current staff, the Reds need good health, some luck and a young player to make an impact.

E-mail jfay@enquirer.com