An e-mailer asks the age-old question: Will Carl Lindner spend more on payroll?

Question, from Mark in Fairfield: Why do Carl Lindner and Reds management continue to lie to us? They told us we would have a competitive ball club when we moved to the new stadium. Mr. Lindner has more money than he knows what to do with, but he doesn't want to spend any of it. I gladly would have given up my free ice cream cone on Opening Day for some pitching. It is a fact of life now that owners have to buy championships.

A: I missed the day Lindner said he was going to spend money like George Steinbrenner. That said, the Reds are at a critical juncture with the fans, who responded to the team and the ballpark with three sellouts in the last four games. I think it would be wise for management (read: Lindner) to spend and make a trade to stay in the race. Lindner did say the Reds would increase payroll for the right pitcher. I asked John Allen if the order had been passed down to him and Jim Bowden. I got a "no comment." But keep this in mind: The player or players to get the Reds where they need to be might not be available.

From Kevin in Syracuse, N.Y.: I've made no secret in talking with my fellow Reds fans that I think you have a tendency to go way too easy on Bob Boone. I'd be interested to know what you think Boone's strengths are as a manager, and what you think are his weaknesses.

A: He gets along with the players, although that has been increasingly difficult with a four-man outfield. He knows the game. I think he does overmanage at times; using Wily Mo Pena to run for Sean Casey in a tie game is an example of that. The bottom line on any manager is wins and losses. I think the Reds are right about where they should be in the standings. I think St. Louis, Houston and Chicago all have more depth and talent than the Reds.

Q, from Dale: With the Reds' need for starting pitching, and little to no money available to acquire any, has there been any talk of moving Scott Williamson back into the rotation and allowing Chris Reitsma a shot at the closer's role? Also, with the recent setbacks due to injury in the bullpen, would it be beneficial to allow Jeff Austin or Ty Howington to get some major-league innings in that role?

A: Seems to me there isn't a Reds reliever management hasn't thought about starting. I think Reitsma ends up as the closer at some point. Whether Williamson is converted to a starter or traded is the question. It would harm Austin and Howington more than help them at this point.

Q, from Justin in Cincinnati: With Jim Bowden being one of the most creative GMs in the game at structuring deals, do you think the Reds could take on a salary like those of Sidney Ponson, Jason Johnson or Kris Benson? Bowden should send Casey and Williamson to Baltimore for Ponson or Johnson. Baltimore gets two quality players in Casey and Williamson, and the Reds get a young No. 2 or 3 starter. Then, Adam Dunn could move to first while opening up a position for Jose Guillen to play every day, and Danny Graves could go back to his closer role.

A: My guess is Bowden will do something. The deal comes down to dollars. Ponson is a free agent after this year. Giving up Casey and Williamson doesn't make sense to get Ponson for only two months or so.

Q, Davy in Cincinnati: What were the Reds thinking in trading leadoff hitter and second baseman Todd Walker, other than getting rid of his $3 million dollar salary? Isn't he just the guy the Reds are missing?

A: You answered your own question. They were simply shedding the $3 million. I like Walker as a player, but I don't see him as the guy they are missing. The defense is better with Ray Olmedo or Juan Castro. Walker hit leadoff a lot last year, but his on-base percentage was .354, and he is no threat to steal bases.

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