This just in: E-mailers are not happy with manager Bob Boone and general manager Jim Bowden (a 1-6 stretch will do that).

Question, from Rich in Arlington, Va.: Watching a game against the Braves, I cringed again as Boone continues to yank pitchers out of close games. Does Boone or Don Gullett make the call on changes? It seems like (the) moves backfire at way too high a rate. Is there some commandment that says Kent Mercker can face only one or two batters? Don't get me started over sitting Ken Griffey Jr. and Sean Casey the day after they both have huge games against Florida.

Answer: It's Boone's call. They want lefty specialist Mercker available every game. But I agree, when he's on a roll, let him roll. Sitting Griffey and Casey, judging from my e-mail, was Boone's least popular move this season. One overlooked factor was that Junior's presence in the lineup might have had an effect on Dontrelle Willis.

Q, from Rowland: What role do you foresee Russell Branyan fulfilling? I know he is a utility player, but when he gets hot, they will have to find a spot for him, a la Jose Guillen. Do you believe the Reds will then make a trade?

A: Branyan will be a bench player. He'll get the occasional start, but his primary role is pinch-hitting.

Q, from Joe in Greendale, Wis.: Despite all the personnel activity and trades over the years, the team is still not a contender. ... The starting pitching has to be the worst in the majors, and the prospects remain bleak. So when does this team pull the plug on Bowden?

A: Bowden's job security rests entirely with CEO Carl Lindner, and Lindner grades on a curve. He knows the budget Bowden is given makes it tough to win. That said, the Reds' record in trades bringing in pitching has not been good. Bruce Chen, Ryan Dempster, Brian Moehler, Shawn Estes, Josh Thigpen and Jeff Austin are the arms the Reds have acquired in the last year. They haven't gotten the Reds over the hump.

Q, from Alex in Cincinnati: The Reds traded Elmer Dessens this offseason for Felipe Lopez in a four-team trade. A lot of people were upset because the Reds gave up their "staff ace." I see Dessens has a 5.04 ERA, while Lopez is hitting .235 with two home runs and 12 RBI. Remember, Lopez is still only 23 years old and has been in the big leagues for three years. In comparison, Jose Guillen came into the league when he was 20, and he has been washed up until this year, at age 27, when he finally is showing he is a good player. Barry Larkin has been injured a lot, which meant Lopez was needed. Overall, I think the Reds and Bowden got the best of this trade for now, and for the future. Who do you think got the best of this deal?

A: Who gets the better of the deal will be determined down the line. Bowden said when he made the trade that Lopez would be playing long after Dessens is finished. But Lopez hasn't proven enough to be declared the shortstop of the future.

From Tex in Fort Myers, Fla.: I wonder if there is a more woeful shortstop in all of baseball than Felipe Lopez. Has anyone figured out how many games he has cost the Reds this year with his errors, shoddy fielding, mental lapses and a bad bat? Why do they keep him around? ... It's not bad pitching that has kept the Reds down; it's Lopez's presence in the lineup.

A: The jury is out on Lopez, but the Reds have no alternative with Larkin hurt. When Larkin is healthy, there's a small chance of Lopez getting sent back to the minors. Where I'll disagree with you is on pitching. Alex Rodriguez and the Texas Rangers have proven you need pitching to win - no matter how good the shortstop.

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