By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Brian Reith will start today's game against the Expos.

"The thought process behind it is (Matt) Belisle has thrown a lot of innings. (Danny) Serafini has had his chance. We'll see what Reith can do," manager Dave Miley said.

Reith made eight starts for the Reds in 2001, going 0-7 with a 7.81 ERA. He was a starter in Triple-A last year.

This year, he has pitched strictly in relief. He is 1-3 with a save and a 4.47 ERA in 41 games.

"It's been awhile since I started," he said. "The longest I've gone is three innings. I got pretty tired then. We'll see. I have no idea how long I'll be able to go."

OLYMPIAN EFFORTS: Ryan Freel and Corky Miller have been invited to try out for the U.S. Olympic team in November. The catch is, they can't be on the Olympic team if they're in the majors.

Miller probably won't try out. He is almost assured of a roster spot on the Reds next year, and he also is having arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow after this season.

Freel is torn.

"I'd like to go," he said. "I played on the Junior Olympic Team in 1994. It was great."

EDDIE UNPLUGGED: Eddie Vedder, the lead singer for Pearl Jam, gave the Reds a private concert during his visit to the ballpark Thursday. He borrowed Juan Castro's guitar and played a few songs.

"That's one of the top two coolest things I've ever seen," Sean Casey said. "The birth of my kids is first. Eddie Vedder sitting there playing is next."