For the Reds to have a chance to be good this year, the starting pitching must be decent. Consider that the team was 41-16 last year when the starting pitcher made a quality starts (six innings pitched; three or fewer earned runs allowed). The Reds need to make more than 57 quality starts this year. If they do, it will be a shock. That's because, based on past results, the Reds aren't running out the most talented arms in the majors. That Cory Lidle, a $2.75 million free agent (petty cash to the Yankees), will be the Opening Day starter says a lot. Paul Wilson (8-10 last year) and Jimmy Haynes (2-12 last year) are also in the starting rotation. The success or failure will depend largely on how quickly the young starters - Jose Acevedo, Aaron Harang and Brandon Claussen - develop.

A Ken Griffey Jr. storyline will be a part of the Reds' season. It's just hard to say which one. It could be "Griffey gets traded." It could be "Griffey hits his 500th homer." It could be "Griffey returns to form." Or it could be "More disappointment for Griffey." The trade rumors about Griffey persist, although the Reds have no mandate from ownership to deal him. He could get traded and still become the first player to hit his 500th home run in a Reds uniform. He needs 19. Griffey has been healthy this spring and has worked hard. Can he stay healthy? That's the $66.5 million question. Griffey will play the way he has always played, despite his recent spate of injuries. "I'm not like a pitcher," he said. "I don't get 27 outs. When I get a chance to make a play, I'm going to try to make it."