A position-by-position look at the Reds for the 2003 season.

INFIELD

Brandon Larson's in, Todd Walker's out - with a twist. Aaron Boone will go to second and Larson will take Boone's spot at third. Barry Larkin remains at shortstop and Sean Casey remains at first. The Reds think Boone will be an upgrade over Walker at second, but they won't know if he can make the switch until well into spring training. Larson isn't as good defensively as Boone at third, but he's adequate. Walker will be missed offensively because he was versatile enough to hit almost anywhere in the lineup and led the team with a .299 average. Larson will add power offensively. If he plays 150 games, 25 to 30 home runs are possible. Russell Branyan, when he's recovered from shoulder surgery (most likely in May), will get playing time at third, particularly against right-handers. With Larkin and Casey, who both were limited by injuries last season, the key is staying healthy.

OUTFIELD

With Austin Kearns in right, Ken Griffey Jr. in center and Adam Dunn in left, you have players with power, defense and the ability to hit for average. If the trio stays healthy, it could combine for 100 homers and 300 RBI. But for all their potential, Dunn and Kearns have played only 331 major-league games between them. With Griffey, it's a question of health; he's missed 221 starts over the last two seasons.

CATCHING

The same cast is back. Jason LaRue is the starter and Kelly Stinnett is the backup. Corky Miller will move in if either is hurt. Dane Sardinha, a second-round draft pick in 2000, is getting close to being ready. If Sardinha is ready, look for the Reds to move LaRue - he's one of the best at throwing out runners (44 percent last year), but he led the majors with 20 passed balls.

STARTING ROTATION

This annually is the iffiest proposition on the club, although it's much less in flux this year. Jimmy Haynes, Ryan Dempster, Danny Graves and Paul Wilson are virtual locks. The fifth position is wide open. Of those starters penciled in, there are plenty of questions as well. Can Haynes follow up last year's career season (15-10, 4.12 ERA)? Can Dempster again be the pitcher who went 29-22 in 2000 and '01? Can Graves make the switch from closer to starter? Can Wilson be this year's Haynes? As many as 12 pitchers could be in the mix for the fifth spot. It could be won by 18-year-old Chris Gruler or 36-year-old Pete Harnisch, but Bruce Chen, Seth Etherton and Luke Hudson are probably the top candidates.

BULLPEN

Scott Williamson replaces Graves as the closer. He was very good in the role late last year, converting eight of 10 opportunities. He struck out 84 and allowed only 46 hits in 74 innings last year. John Riedling, Chris Reitsma (if he doesn't start) and Scott Sullivan will be the right-handed setup men. Gabe White will be the lefty setup man. Felix Heredia has a good shot at joining White as the other left-hander in the bullpen.

BENCH

Felipe Lopez, the shortstop obtained in the Elmer Dessens deal, could earn playing time with a good start. He adds speed and defense, but he didn't hit consistently in two extended trials with the Toronto Blue Jays. Juan Castro is back as the defensive specialist, and Reggie Taylor seems to be a lock as the fourth outfielder. The battle for the other extra outfield spot will be one of the spring's more interesting dramas. Wily Mo Pena will start the season on the disabled list, leaving Jose Guillen and Ruben Mateo to battle it out. Mateo has options and Guillen's contract isn't guaranteed, so the Reds have some flexibility.

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