Q, from Dave: I have been watching with great interest as our new general manager Dan O'Brien starts to "make his mark" with the Reds. His revamping of the scouting staff and front office all seem well thought out. But, I am concerned about his seeming lack of attention that has been given to the 2004 Reds roster itself. He has preached about pitching -- yet has only added one quality guy with Cory Lidle -- and a couple of minor leaguers. I know that he has inherited a limited budget, but surely it allows for at least one or two low-end major league pitching additions with some unrealized potential. Didn't Damian Moss just sign for less than $1 million? Seems to me that Moss would have been low-cost addition to our team that had quitea bit of upside - and he's young, and a lefty to boot! Is it just me, or does our new GM have a slow trigger-finger on deals to improve our 40-man roster? What about the unresolved infield issue? Surely we are not planning to "make do" with our current options at second and third base.Am I misreading our new GM or do others also think he is sitting on the sidelines too much?

A: I think you answered your own question when you mentioned budget. O'Brien was very limited in what he could do. By adding Lidle the Reds have three pitchers who make relatively big money - Lidle $2.75 million, Paul Wilson $3 million and Jimmy Haynes $2.5 million - because none of the three is suited for relief and the Reds don't eat contracts they are going to be in the rotation. That leaves only two spots for young pitchers. Jose Acevedo, Aaron Harang and Brandon Claussen are ready, so adding a bargain guy doesn't make sense. As for the infield, D'Angelo Jimenez will be the second baseman. I can see why they're giving Brandon Larson another shot at third. But if he fails, look for the term "makeshift lineup" to be used a lot.

Q, from Patrick in Newport: The Reds obviously don't have the funds to pursue Greg Maddux, but there are several starters still available that would bring instant upgrades to the rotation. Rick Reed, Orlando Hernandez, Pedro Astacio or Chuck Finley would all bring a solid track record to the mix, while younger guys like Damien Moss or Scott Elarton would bring high-ceiling young pitchers who have logged in their share of innings. It seems Dan O'Brien played his hand well in waiting for a second starter as the supply is high and demand has lowered. Do you think the Reds might make a run at one of these to bolster the rotation?

A: Again, the Reds need to develop young pitching quickly. The aforementioned Lidle, Wilson and Haynes are not under contract for 2005. So the Reds are going to have to take some lumps with the young guys to get them ready.

Q, from Steve: This is not necessarily a question. Is it really news that the Reds aren't pursuing Maddux, or for that matter, any top-tier free agent? The Reds actions or lack thereof have made it very clear that they are not going to seriously compete as long as Carl Lindner owns this team. Barring a salary cap such as the NFL employs, this is the way it will stay. Anyone who thinks otherwise is delusional.

A: The Reds would point to the Florida Marlins are Exhibition A in the case proving low-payroll teams can compete. But to get where the Marlins are, you need to get that Player Development Mill cranking.

Q, from Todd in Advance, N.C.: It seems like we're getting better pitching. Slowly. With Dustin Moseley, Claussen and Harang, Ryan Wagner and even Chris Gruler,it seems like we're heading in the right direction. Especially when you consider the new minor league pitch-count system. But that begs this question: Do we have enough minor league startersto go to a eight-man rotation in the low minors or are some of the appearances going to be filled by journeymen or those that aren't even B prospects?

A: Sure, the Reds have enough pitchers to fill out the rotations. One of things they like about the system is it will show who responds better to starting and relieving.

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