The Cincinnati Enquirer

The Reds made several significant changes entering the season. Here's a quick review, as well as a look at some of what the club thought were certainties:

The unknown

1 Danny Graves, from closer to starter. The Reds were encouraged when he went 1-0 with a 1.89 ERA in four late-season starts. But he's struggled since the first day of spring, even ditching the windup because he felt uncomfortable. He has a 7.59 ERA in two starts, allowing 15 hits in 10 2/3 innings with four walks.

2 Aaron Boone (pictured above), from third base to second. He hasn't committed an error, and probably will improve turning the double play. He started slowly at the plate, but improved his average to .261 after a three-hit day Saturday. Even though he hit 38 doubles and 26 homers a year ago, he's batting second because of his speed. Trouble is, he didn't steal a base until Saturday.

3 Brandon Larson, third base. Boone's move opened the job for Larson, now he has to keep it. He's struggled at the plate and in the field. His single Saturday improved his average to .100 - three singles in 30 at-bats. Dating to spring training, he has eight hits in his last 64 at-bats (.125).

The known

1 Ken Griffey Jr. He tore it up in the spring and hit in all five games he played before dislocating his shoulder on a diving attempt in left-center. His absence no doubt has contributed to the team-wide hitting slump.

2 The bullpen. A perceived strength, it struggled badly early. Josias Manzanillo had two losses before his costly two-run outing Saturday. The relievers had rallied - a 2.16 ERA the past eight games (25 IP, 6 ER) - before allowing four runs, two earned, Saturday.

3 Wily Mo Pena. They're keeping him on the roster so they won't lose him, knowing he's not ready for the big leagues. He has three at-bats, two strikeouts, in 11 games.

Numbers game

0: Team steals in the first 10 games.

0: Times the Reds have outhit their opponent in 11 games.

80: Consecutive innings caught by Jason LaRue before Kelly Stinnett made his first appearance Friday.

The rumor mill

• Talk around baseball is that Graves could be headed back to the bullpen.

• Chicago media circulated the possibility of the Cubs acquiring Aaron Boone - for young power pitcher Juan Cruz - citing the Reds' perceived need to cut payroll.

The week ahead

Monday at Chi., 8:05

Tuesday at Chi., 2:20

Wednesday at Chi., 2:20

Thursday at Chi., 2:20

Friday vs. *Montreal, 7:05 p.m.

Saturday vs. *Montreal, 7:05 p.m.

Sunday vs. *Montreal, 1:15 p.m.

*at San Juan, Puerto Rico