By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

For the next six games - three each at home against the Cubs and Expos - Phil Norton will try to outrun failure. To stay in stride and beat it to the season's finish line.

"This next week is going to be important," the Reds relief pitcher said. "You don't want to fall apart at the end."

Cincinnati's season began falling apart before the All-Star break.

And with the reams of personnel turnover since has come just as much uncertainty about 2004.

Most of the recent additions are like Norton, minor leaguers presented a chance to showcase their talent in the big leagues.

"They make an impression whether they know it or not," assistant general manager Brad Kullman said. "They all think that if they hit a home run in their next at-bat or strike that next batter out, that that's going to be a good impression. We're seeing more just how they approach each day. We're going to take into account their track record."

Norton's record since coming to the Reds in a minor league deal last month has been a bright spot.

In 15 appearances, the left-hander has allowed three earned runs in 12 innings. "I haven't had a lot of time to show them what I can do," the 27-year-old Texan said. "You've got to take advantage every time you go out there. Fortunately, I've been able to go out and have some good performances."

Norton's ability to withstand and succeed in pressure situations stands out. None of the 15 runners he has inherited has scored.

"We like what we've seen from him," Reds manager Dave Miley said. "He's done a really good job. He should get stronger . . . and he may get better."

In a 2-0 win against the Phillies on Saturday, Norton relieved Todd Van Poppel in the seventh inning with two runners on and the go-ahead run at the plate.

"He's earned the right to come in and pitch in those types of situations," Miley said.

A pop-up and groundout ended the inning and quieted an anxious crowd. Norton then pitched a scoreless eighth.

"That's what you're there for, to come in and shut it down," he said. "Fortunately, I've been able to do it since I came here."

Norton spent most of his professional life in the minors before the Cubs traded him to Cincinnati.

He pitched in just six major-league games with Chicago from 2000 to this season, and missed the entire 2002 season after undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery.

The Reds, and Norton, both expect the pitcher's arm to get stronger as he distances himself from the surgery.

"They say it's the second year when you get a little stronger," Norton said. "I've noticed this year, and I try not to look at the (speed gun), my velocity is getting to more like it was in the past."

Norton also is a converted starting pitcher, and talked with Kullman right after the trade about the possibility of starting again.

But he said he'll do whatever is asked to stay in the big leagues.

"I like it either way," he said. "Whichever one is going to give me a job and help out a little bit, that's what I want."

ETHERTON SHELVED: The Reds will be without pitcher Seth Etherton for the remainder of the season. The right-hander was examined Monday and diagnosed with inflammation in his right forearm and elbow.

Etherton went 2-4 with a 6.90 ERA in seven starts with the Reds.

Because of an unrelated injury, he will undergo arthroscopic surgery on Thursday to address fraying in his left patellar tendon.

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E-mail kkelly@enquirer.com