Reds focusing on improving their pitching and defense

CINCINNATI - In this river city at this time of year, even whenthe muddy Ohio River runs like a veteran catcher after too manycrouches, there is faith. There is hope.

The problem for the Cincinnati Reds in recent seasons is therealso has been too much charity.

Great American Ball Park was scheduled to host its fifth baseballOpening Day this afternoon when the "enriched" Chicago Cubs visit,but the Reds' yard has yet to see a winning season.

Cincinnati has played six straight seasons under .500. It's thelongest streak of such futility for the game's first professionalteam since the post-World War II dropoff from 1945-55.

Then, Frank Robinson arrived. He lifted a team with decent powerover the top in quirky Crosley Field. Great American Small Park haseven shorter porches, but power hasn't been the Reds' problem.

Their charity has begun on the mound and in the field. Too manyextra outs, too many walks and errors. While Cincinnati has clubbedenough big flies, it has had far too many big whiffs, too - see AdamDunn.

The Reds have been fortunate they've been in the National LeagueCentral with the Brewers and Pirates.

So, today began something of a change in Cincinnati. Under second-year General Manager Wayne Krivsky and Manager Jerry Narron, theReds' emphasis is on improved pitching and defense.

To prove the latter, the Reds gave free-agent shortstop AlexGonzalez a three-year, $14 million contract. Ken Griffey Jr. ismoving from center field to right - a move that doesn't seem toplease him, but speedy Ryan Freel in center should improve Cincinnatiup the middle.

Yes, the Reds want to play small ball in a small park. How thatworks with a team that has average speed, we'll see.

The issue still seems to be pitching. Behind big-time reliablesAaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo in the rotation there are questionmarks.

The closer was supposed to be offseason-signee Dustin Hermanson,who missed most of last season with lower back inflammation after a34-save 2005 with the White Sox. He was released on Sunday, however.

The setup committee is headed by David Weathers and Mike Stanton,who are 76 (combined, of course).

Kyle Lohse is No. 3 in the rotation, backed by Matt Belisle andKirk Saarloos - for now. Lefty Eric Milton, a $25-milliondisappointment in Cincinnati, begins the year on the 15-day disabledlist with back spasms. It wouldn't be surprising if the Reds ate his$9 million for 2007 in frustration and turned to the farm.

At Triple-A Louisville, the Reds have pitching phenom HomerBailey, whom they're trying not to rush, and young lefty BobbyLivingston, who was strong in spring training.

On the roster today, the most Opening Day buzz surrounds a backupoutfielder. It's Josh Hamilton, whose drug-troubled years havedelayed his Major League debut until today. He will get plenty oftime to prove he's more than clean for a club that can use his five-tool talent.

Veteran Jeff Conine, signed to play some outfield and platoon atfirst base with Scott Hatteberg, said Gonzalez will make plays thatwill remind longtime Reds watchers of Gonzalez's Venezuelan sportshero, Dave Concepcion.

"He's the best (shortstop) I've played with," said Conine, 40, whostarts his 15th season today. "He's unbelievable. With the Marlins,he and (second baseman) Luis Castillo would make plays we'd justshake our heads at. (Gonzalez) makes plays other shortstops don'tmake."

That's fine, but if the Reds make pitches that cause GreatAmerican Ball Park right-field bleacher spectators to run for cover,it's going to be another summer of discontent in the birthplace ofpro baseball.

The Reds have added payroll, approaching $70 million, but they arenot going to do what the Cubs did in the offseason, recycling ManagerLou Piniella for three years, $10 million.

They gave outfielder Alfonso Soriano $136 million over eight yearsand third baseman Aramis Ramirez $75 million for five seasons.Pitchers Ted Lilly ($10 million annually) and Jason Marquis ($7million a year) found Chicago their kind of town, too.

So, the Reds will play small ball in more ways than one.

"I feel much better about us defensively than a year ago," Narronsaid.

"We've got two guys in the middle of the infield (Gonzalez andsecond baseman Brandon Phillips) who weren't here this time lastyear. I feel much better about that.

"I'd like to be able to manufacture more runs and play bettersituational baseball, but we've got to make contact, put the ball inplay to do that."

That's where faith and hope fit into the Reds' lineup between Dunnand Griffey.