Read on:

Q, from Tom in Saylor Park: I still think that Marge Schott would have had a better team than Carl Lindner has put on the field because she did spend a little bit of the money that she made. You said that she destroyed the Reds minor leagues. All Uncle Carl wants to do is lie and steal from the tax paying public.

A: The standard for the Reds has certainly changed. Schott wanted to win the World Series. The Reds now talk about being competitive in the National League Central. But it's clear that the Reds could not compete long-term buying players. They could when a $45 million payroll put you close to the top, but not when you have to spend $100 million-plus. Schott changed her philosophy after 1995. Remember, she was bitterly disappointed when she paid all that money for a winner and the first NLCS game against the Braves drew only 40,382.

Q, from Jacob in Mount Adams: When Jim Bowden was fired last season, people said that at last the Reds were done looking at veterans on the pitching scrap-heap as a quick fix, and were finally going to develop some young pitching. Why then is Jimmy Haynes, he of the 2-12 record and $2.5 million contract, still even on the team? The fact that he is guaranteed a starting spot going in to spring training is enough to make me throw up. This, to me, is no different than how things were under Bowden, when Joey Hamilton, Pete Harnisch, Jimmy Anderson et al. were paraded out as the "veteran" starter who did nothing but prevent younger, better prospects from getting a fair shot.

A: I agree with you. If Brandon Claussen, Jose Acevedo and Aaron Harang outpitch Haynes this spring, they should be in the rotation. The Reds say they are committed to young pitching, so you can't hold back a young prospect simply because Haynes is under contract.

Q, from Joe: What information can you give me on handicap access to Great American. At Cinergy, I could park on the plaza near the gate and walk into the green seats without any stairs. Does Great American have similar access?

A: I get this question a couple of times a year. Here's what the Reds say about disabled access: "Great American Ball Park is fully accessible for all guests. Handicap parking is available in the parking garage on Pete Rose Way and in the east parking garage also located off Pete Rose Way. The disabled drop-off is located on Main Street along the west side of Great American. Great American has handicap seating available throughout all seating areas."

Q, from Allen in Cincinnati: The eternal optimist here. From what you have seen so far, what is far out about this scenario? Acevedo wins 20, Cory Lidle 15, Harang, Paul Wilson and Brandon Claussen 12 each. That combined with the strong bullpen that would pull off 18-20 wins, we'd have 90 wins. Griffey, Dunn and Kearns all hit 40 home runs. The infield hits .300. I realize it is optimistic, but it isn't that far fetched, is it?

A: For the above to happen, you're talking about career years from nine or 10 guys. That is far-fetched. But spring is all about blind optimism, so indulge yourself.

Return to Reds front page...