By Bill Koch
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Scott Williamson had just recorded his fifth save in as many opportunities this season, but was concerned about how he had accomplished it.

He allowed a run in the ninth inning and permitted the tying runs to reach base for the San Diego Padres before striking out Ryan Klesko and getting Rondell White to end the game with a foul popup.

An hour after he recorded the last out Sunday, Williamson was sitting next to starter Danny Graves, the Reds' former closer for four years, seeking advice on how to avoid those troubling ninth-inning jams.

"I just told him that you have to stay aggressive," Graves said.

Most of the experiments the Reds have tried in the early part of this season have gone sour. Brandon Larson was overmatched at third base and at the plate and was shipped back to Class AAA. Aaron Boone was then shifted back to third from second.

And Graves, with an 0-2 record and 7.81 earned run average, is still adjusting to his new starting role.

But despite questions about Williamson's ability to be a full-time closer, he has thrived in his new role. When the Reds left town Monday for a six-game road trip, beginning tonight in Colorado, he had a 1.64 ERA, and had either saved or won seven of their 10 victories.

He still has a tendency to get himself into trouble, though, prompting a laugh from manager Bob Boone when asked if he had complete confidence in Williamson.

"You want to look inside my stomach?" Boone asked. "He's a little nerve wracking ... He gets to the point where he needs to make a pitch here and you've got him. But he seems to come up with them."

Williamson, who has said he prefers starting to relieving, now says that he likes being a closer.

"I enjoy how the ninth inning works," he said. "I like the fight."

He says he pitches the ninth the same way he would the sixth or seventh to keep himself on an even keel. Getting too pumped up sometimes causes him to overthrow and lose his control.

But Graves has a new message for Williamson: The ninth inning requires a different mentality.

"When the closer comes in, the other team is more aggressive," Graves said. "They want to leave you out there on the field. You've got to act like it's 1-0 and don't let anybody get on base."

Closing isn't entirely new to the 27-year-old Williamson. He shared the job with Graves in 1999 and saved 19 games. He also closed occasionally in 2000 when he started 10 games.

In 2001, he was shut down after two appearances, underwent reconstructive elbow surgery and missed the rest of the season. Last year, he appeared in 63 games, all in relief, and recorded eight saves.

This is the first time he has started the season as the Reds' closer. But his workmanlike demeanor hasn't changed. There are no histrionics with Williamson on the mound.

"I've never been a real flashy guy," he said. "I'm not going to throw the rosin bag down or yell at you or spit at you. I'm just going to do the best I can."

Graves isn't recommending that Williamson transform himself into Brad "The Animal" Lesley. But he did tell Williamson to become more aggressive.

"He has the best stuff on this team by far," Graves said. "I want him to believe that. Not many guys can throw 95-plus and have a slider and split-finger like he does. Even when he's not feeling good, he's still throwing 92 to 94."

So it's a fine line that Williamson must walk. Be aggressive, but don't overthrow. Let the adrenaline flow, but remain calm and focused.

He's still adjusting to his new job. Fortunately for him and the Reds, he has a built-in and willing instructor in Graves.

"I told Willy you haven't done this in a while consistently," Graves said. "Now this is your job. You have to learn every day as you go out there."

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E-mail bkoch@enquirer.com