CINCINNATI - On the day Ken Griffey Jr. became a Red, thehometown Enquirer's main headline read: "Griffey as Cincinnati aschili, Big Red Machine." In effect, the most popular baseballplayer in the world provided his hometown with a hardball version ofthe Red Cross on Feb. 10.
That's the day Griffey gave Cincinnati a Big Red BloodTransfusion.
After the Reds emerged from the depths of the Marge Schott era toclimb within one game of the postseason, Griffey's acquisition fromSeattle put a charge in the team, the fans and the bank account.
Unfortunately, he is not making $112.5 million to pitch.
The Reds received the cruel reminder of the importance ofpitching during last season's one-game playoff against the New YorkMets when Al Leiter threw a two-hitter to end their season.
With the additions of Griffey and Dante Bichette, Cincinnati hasstacked itself with the National League's deepest offensive startinglineup when first baseman Sean Casey returns from a broken rightthumb.
The glitz of long balls and wall-thudding doubles may have Redfans making October postseason plans, but Monday's Opening Dayagainst Milwaukee was a glaring reminder of the delicate pitchingthat Cincinnati needs if it harbors any hopes of getting there.
Starter Pete Harnish allowed seven hits and three walks in hisfour innings of work in the six-inning rainout, a trend that doesn'tbode well no matter how many runs Cincinnati can put on the board.Last year, Red starters averaged the fewest innings pitched of anyteam in the Majors.
Pitching coach Don Gullett has worked wonders and resurrectedcareers in the past few years to forge a patchwork staff. Butbecause of the lofty expectations and probably loftier run support,this season may be his most daunting task yet. Red fans will enjoydouble-digit offensive outputs. They will tire by July of losingthose games 11-10.
Last year, Gullett coaxed a career season out of scrap heaperSteve Parris, melded a starter out of Ron Villone and survivedinjuries to Denny Neagle and Harnisch.
That was a merit badge compared to the thesis he has ahead of himthis year.
- Harnisch (16 wins in 1999), Parris (11-4, 3.50 ERA) and Villone(nine wins, three one-hitters) must repeat the best seasons of theirlives. (Harnisch's seven hits and three walks allowed in fourinnings on Monday wasn't the most prosperous beginning.)
- Neagle (9-5, 4.27 ERA in 19 starts) must rebound from ashoulder injury to his pitching arm and a shaky spring.
- Fifth starter Rob Bell, who has never pitched above Class AA,must transform from "prospect" to reliable starter.
- And finally, the bullpen must reapply the masking tape to itsarms: Scott Sullivan (113.2 innings), Danny Graves (111 innings) andNL Rookie of the Year Scott Williamson (93.1 innings).
The last time Cincinnati heralded a new acquisition like Griffeywas when the team acquired Tom Seaver from the Mets. This year, theReds don't have a pitcher of that caliber unless talent seeps out ofGriffey through osmosis.
Years ago, the Big Red Machine was built on firepower, hustle andsolid pitching.
The first two are well in place, if Monday's rain delay was anykind of evidence.
After more than an hour of watching rain fall on the greeninfield tarp, the first of many fans ran out to try his hand atsliding for the crowd's amusement. He "stole" second, then "stole"home before police cuffed him face down on the plastic.
He still drew cheers, though - because Red fans appreciate hisstyle of play like a good Kahn's Coney.
In Cincinnati, it's as simple as a Pete Rose haircut. Win, loseor arrest: You always slide headfirst.
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