My inbox has been overflowing since word leaked that the Reds tried to trade Ken Griffey Jr. Then the Pete Rose story followed. And the Todd Walker trade followed that. All were hot-button topics. The near-trade of Griffey drew about 200 e-mails, and about 70 percent were against the trade.

From Greg: I think Junior is done as a player of great value. Trading him might be a bad move, but it also could become a great move. The Reds won't contend without pitching, and with Griffey's and Barry Larkin's pay, they won't pursue top pitching. They both need to go, and as soon as possible. The Reds have enough young position players to keep the season interesting.

A: I disagree. I think Griffey can be a great player again. We'll find out who's right in July or August. As for dumping Griffey and Larkin, you have to get another team to take their salaries. The list of teams willing to do that is pretty short.

From John: I am at a loss for words on the recent Griffey-Phil Nevin trade debacle. I can only hope the Reds show some mettle and apologize to Ken for their deplorable behavior.

A: Griffey, at least publicly, wasn't offended. This could work out for the Reds, if Griffey is determined to prove them wrong.

From Mike: I have the perfect trade for the Reds: Carl Lindner for Tom Hicks! Jim Bowden and John Allen for former president George Bush. Read my lips: "We will not trade Junior Griffey!" Where do I sign the petition for a lawsuit for misleading the fans? "We are building for 2003!" Come on, fulfill your promises, Reds.

A: Tom Hicks hasn't exactly built a dynasty in Texas. It's little consolation to fans, but things have changed since Griffey came to Cincinnati. Commissioner Bud Selig, whom Lindner supports, signed off on a collective bargaining agreement that hurts the Reds.

Q, from Jay: Has anyone ever thought of asking John Dowd if he thinks druggies and their contacts and dealers are any different from Pete Rose and his bookies? If that is what he thinks baseball should do to reinstate Pete, then Darryl Strawberry and all the druggies in baseball should have to give up their drug dealers and contacts before they can be allowed to participate on any major-league team or franchise.

A: Baseball is in a difficult situation here. My guess is Rose will get a partial reinstatement that won't allow him to manage. I also don't think there's any evidence he bet against the Reds.

Q, from Mark: At the present time, I don't believe John Dowd's opinion is even relevant. He did what Major League Baseball paid him to do. That's it. If not for the investigation of Pete Rose, no one would even know who this guy is. Pathetic.

A: Dowd shouldn't consider moving to Cincinnati anytime soon. I do get the feeling that he's bitter toward Rose.

From Justin: Don't forget Bob Boone wants to get rid of Junior for the same reason he got rid of Griffey Sr. - he feels threatened by both of them.

A: Boone didn't get rid of Senior. Senior resigned.

Q, from Greg: I can't find any information on the Reds offering arbitration to Jason LaRue. Why is it a big secret?

A: The Reds haven't done anything with LaRue. They have until Dec.20 to tender him a contract. If they don't, he becomes a free agent. I'd be shocked if the Reds don't tender LaRue a contract.

E-mail jfay@enquirer.com