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Q, from Steve: I don't get it. With the surplus of pitching talent competing for the rotation and with Jimmy Haynes not being healthy, why is he still being penciled in as a lock for the rotation? I know we're paying him $2.5 million or so, but if he can't do his job, it's foolish to let him start with so many quality horses in the stable, so to speak. We saw how lousy Haynes did last year when his back was ailing him, and he was horrible. It's the same injury he's combating now. That means if he starts, we can expect another 2-12 season from him. Not to mention that, because of his injury, he's already behind all the other pitchers, who have been putting up good stuff all spring training so far. Way I see it, the rotation should be Cory Lidle, Paul Wilson, Jose Acevedo, Jesus Sanchez and Aaron Harang. Bullpen should be Danny Graves, Chris Reitsma, John Riedling, Ryan Wagner, Brandon Claussen and Brian Reith, with Reith being sent down as soon as Haynes or Mattox are ready. Those two guys get bullpen jobs.

A: Haynes is not injured. His back is fine. He was shut down because he was weak in his core abdominal muscle group. After a couple weeks of intense training, the core muscle are fine and Haynes still has time to get ready to start. I question why the Reds would pencil him in the rotation merely because he has a contract. If Acevedo, Harang and Claussen continue to pitch well, I'd start the season with them in the rotation because they are going to be here next year. That is not a given with Haynes, Lidle and Wilson.

Q, from Tom: I've been hearing for quite some time that Kris Benson wants out of Pittsburgh. And if I understand correctly he makes $6.2 million a year. Is there any chance the Reds will make a deal for him?

A: I can think of $6.2 million reasons that won't happen. And, as mentioned above, the Reds need to develop their young starters. Bringing Benson in would limit the opportunity of someone like Claussen.

Q, from Andrew: I wish the Reds would step up and bring back Aaron Boone. Right now they could re-acquire a fan favorite, incredible clubhouse guy and consummate team player for bargain. They could groom him to become the shortstop of the future with power, defense and speed. You know he will generate similar power numbers to Bret in the next few years. His defense when he filled in for Barry at SS was terrific. C'mon Reds show the fans you care.

A: I agree. I think the Reds are little hesitant because he's torn the ACL on the same knee twice. But, if they can get Boone at real bargain, he's worth the risk.

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