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Question, from Walt in Johnstown, Pa.: Why are the Reds reluctant to pursue Aaron Boone? I think it would be a good addition, especially since his father is no longer the manager.

A: The short is answer is: I don't know. Boone was worth at least a hard look. Even if you're committed to Brandon Larson at third - and a lot of people question that - Boone can play short. As of right now, Barry Larkin is retiring. Boone is as good a clubhouse guy as you'll find in baseball. He's above average defensively. He can run. And he has pop. What's not to like?

Q, from Joyce: I do not understand why the Reds would not even consider talking to Aaron Boone. If he would want to come back it would be all positive for the Reds. He could play third, short or even second. We have given Brandon a lot of chances and he would still have until July or August. Why can't our general manager see it that way. I know the team and the fans would be happy to have such a great player back.

A: "Not even consider" is the part that ticked off fans.

Q, from D.J.: With Brandon Larson struggling/hurt and the Reds unwilling to go after Aaron Boone, how about making Wily Mo Pena a third baseman? I know he's a bit of a defensive liability even in right field, and he'd have to spend time in winter ball, but if the Reds are determined to keep this guy around, they have to find a spot for him to play. (Right now they have five guys - Sean Casey, Adam Dunn, Austin Kearns, Ken Griffey Jr. and Pena for four spots.) Why not third? It worked for Pete Rose? (And I know that Rose had a Hall of Fame caliber shortstop covering for him, but we live in a diminished age.)

A: The Reds tried Pena at third last spring under the behest of Jim "Five Tool Players 'R' Us" Bowden last spring. Let's just say it didn't work. Rose was a 12-year veteran at the time of the move who came up as a second baseman and who could hit in his sleep.

Q, from Rick: The Reds made a big mistake in not resigning Jose Guillen. This was another case of keeping our young cheaper guys because they had potential rather than going with a proven commodity that cost them a bit more. Guillen leads all of baseball in RBI and Dunn or Kearns could have gotten us a quality pitcher. Instead, we're hoping that they become solid major leaguers someday.

A: I don't agree. They Reds got one pitcher (Aaron Harang) who is already in the rotation and possible closer of future (Joe Valentine) for Guillen. Guillen makes $2.2 million. Dunn and Kearns are cheaper. But look at Guillen's record before last year. Remember, the Reds signed him to minor league contract. Dunn's been a pretty solid major leaguer this year. He's tied for second in the National League in homers and third in on-base percentage. Kearns led the NL in RBI this time last year. You also have the Guillen factor in the clubhouse.

Q, from Rick: Are you convinced that the Reds under Dan O'Brien will ever try to really build a winner or will we see our next developing young star shipped out for "future" prospects like he did with Chris Reitsma. His logic sounds good but in reality, he's just trying to save a few bucks for Carl Lindner and put off for several years the chance to field a winner.

A: I think the Reds plans all have long-term goals in mind -- perhaps too much. The bench has two players on it - Pena and Jason Romano - who clearly are not helping the club this year. The Reitsma trade may work eventually, but it clearly hurt the team this year. If you continually build for the future, the future will never come.

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