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Q, from Rick: Why is it that Dan O'Brien insists on making Dave Miley operate with a limited roster? It seems that every time a Reds player is injured, several days go by without making a move to replace the injured player thus forcing Miley to operate shorthanded. Is there anyone that believes that Joe Valentine is deserving of staying at the major league level? Anyone on the Triple-A or Double-A staff has to be able to perform as good As this guy. I bet Homer Bailey can come in here today and do a better job.

PHOTO GALLERY

Photos: Junior hits No. 499

A: The Barry Larkin situation is odd to say the least. Playing three days of playing with 24 players is unheard of. It will look particularly bad if Larkin ends up on the DL. As for Valentine, it doesn't do a lot of good to have him on the roster if the only time he's going to get in a game is in a blowout. I'd take a flyer and bring up Chris Booker, who's dominating at Double-A and throws 95.

Q, from Brandon: I just wanted to say the Reds fans better savor every moment they have left with Barry Larkin. I wonder what they plan to do at shortstop in the future. Felipe Lopez is no answer but I am afraid the Redsthink he is the future. I would sum up Lopez by saying his bat is average at best and his glove is terrible. I hope Larkin is not hurt too bad and gets back quickly. It will be at least a little longer before I have to get used to Lopez. Long live the captain.

A: Lopez was given the opportunity to show he could be the shortstop of future, but he's failed so far. His talent level is above average defensively and at the plate. He needs to become more consistent in the field (make the routine plays) and more disciplined at the plate (strike out less, use his speed more).

Q, from Howard: Jason Larue batting second? Is Bob Boone back? The Reds keep talking about pitching to contact. How about hitting to contact? I keep hearing about the fundamentals and how much better this team is with the basics. I have probably watched at least 45 of the Reds games this year. I see the same fielding lapses, the same inability to hit with runners in scoring position, the same propensity to strike out, and the same lack of speed and base running skills that I have seen every year. The only difference this year is Griffey is healthy, Casey is having a career year, and the players seem to enjoy playing for Miley. Otherwise it is the same Reds team we've seen the last couple years (actually maybe less talented). It sure is fun to watch the Reds each spring win more than they should and tease fans into thinking maybe they have enough talent to pull an upset and capture a division title. This is the third year in a row, I think, the Reds have won enough in April and/or May to get fans excited. But the bottom line is the organization is broken and will likely not get fixed anytime soon.

A: LaRue is one of the few Reds who has hit left-handers. It was also an effort to get him going. The April/May tease is preferable to a collapse out the gate, isn't it? But remember the Reds are where they are with little contribution from Austin Kearns and little production from third base and catcher.

Q, from Jeff in Fort Wayne: Why can Danny Graves only pitch in a actual "save" situation. Wouldn't you call the bottom of the 11th or whatever it was, with Phil Norton having no clue where the strike zone is a "saving" situation. Why not go to Graves? I'm so sick of this stuff where your closer can ONLY pitch when he can record a save. How bad does this guy have to pitch to get sent out? Give someone at Triple-A an opportunity! Jesus Sanchez went up to the final couple days of spring training before being sent to Louisville. Give the guy a shot. Heck, anybody down there is better than this guy!

A: Using Graves in the eighth didn't work so well the next night. I agree with you on Sanchez. He could solve a lot of problems because he could pitch to one batter one day and three innings the next.

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