While everyone was prepared for SS-R Derek Jeter to return from the disabled list on Tuesday, OF-L Ken Griffey's return to the Reds was somewhat unexpected. Initial estimates indicated Griffey would need more time than Jeter to recover and while Jeter was completing a rehab assignment, Griffey had not begun one. Reports suggest that Griffey's shoulder is strong and he is ready to play. However, since he hurried his return, the Reds likely will want to give him regular off-days in May. Both players' shoulders will be more prone to dislocation in the future because of these injuries.

In order to clear room for Griffey on the roster, Cincinnati designated OF-R Ruben Mateo for assignment and successfully sent him through waivers to AAA. The 25-year-old Mateo should receive a few more chances to earn a regular bench job in the majors, as he should develop moderate power as he matures physically. Unfortunately, his poor plate discipline currently leaves him unworthy of a roster spot.

Not everyone is happy Griffey is back. OF-R Jose Guillen picked up most of the at-bats made available by Griffey's absence. He's currently hitting .333 with a .367 OBP and .618 SLG on 34 H, 6 2B, 1 3B, and 7 HR with a 4:17 BB:K and 0/1 SB% in 102 AB. His plate discipline puts him at risk for a sudden loss of production, but his power development appears real and not merely a result of the Great American Ballpark. While Cincinnati will certainly attempt to find playing time for someone producing at this level, he knows it is unrealistic to expect to displace Griffey, OF-R Austin Kearns, or OF-L Adam Dunn. Consequently, Guillen has expressed interest in a trade.

I generally don't favor players seeking trades. Nevertheless, the Reds should probably pursue Guillen's suggestion. Once he returns to part time duty, his plate discipline problems will almost certainly catch up with him, so his trade value likely will never be higher than it is right now. Cincinnati has other players capable of approximating his bench production. I don't believe many teams will jump to overpay for his services, but I'm sure there are more than one or two clubs who would be interested if he were available. He might be most useful to Anaheim, who could use a starting outfielder with OF-L Darin Erstad likely to miss a few more weeks.

Anaheim attempted to remove LHP Eric Cyr from their 40-man roster in late April, but on the same day they placed him on waivers, he pitched seven innings without allowing a hit while striking out nine batters, catching the attention of Cincinnati. When the Reds attempted to bump him off their own 40-man, the Angels reclaimed him. While Cyr's received attention as a prospect, he has a history of personal problems, hasn't shown much above A+, and has experienced some arm troubles. The defending World Champions' chances of making the playoffs this year don't seem strong at the moment, but acquiring Guillen might keep them close enough to the pack to make a move if one of the favored teams falters. The 24-year-old Cyr certainly retains upside, but as he doesn't seem likely to realize his potential while with the Angels, I see little reason for Anaheim not to try to swap Cyr for Guillen.

SS-R Barry Larkin rejoined the team last week, but a few days later he aggravated his left calf injury. Doctors reportedly believe he may have only torn some scar tissue in which case he would likely be able to return to the lineup this weekend. However, the Reds are contemplating returning him to the disabled list, if he's not able to play the field soon.

Cincinnati demoted UT-R Ryan Freel to clear room on the roster for Larkin's return. While Freel only hit .150 with a .320 OBP and .150 SLG in his 20 at-bats in the majors, his skills looked strong, as he posted a 4:2 BB:K and 3/4 SB%, indicating he could break out at any time. Additionally, since 3B-R Brandon Larson is experiencing some shoulder soreness, Freel will likely return to the majors if Larkin hits the DL.

Earlier this month, the Reds sent UT-R Ryan Owens to Minnesota for RHP Josh Daws. Arizona drafted Owens out of Cal State Fullerton with their seventh round pick of the 1999 draft and then traded him to Colorado for SS-R Juan Sosa early in the 2001 season. Cincinnati grabbed him from the Rockies in the minor league portion of the last Rule 5 draft. He possesses marginal power and speed skills, and his plate discipline shows promise, though he needs to work on his contact rate. The 25-year-old has spent a portion of every season of his career at a AA affiliate, and while he displayed solid skills at AAA last season, the Reds had him playing for AA Chattanooga in the Southern League.

Minnesota drafted Daws out of Jacksonville University with their 30th round pick in the 2001 draft. He spent the remainder of that season pitching for Elizabethton in the Rookie-level Appalachian League, where he clearly overmatched the competition. Daws split last year between Quad City in the A Midwest League and A+ Fort Myers in the Florida State League. He was back at A+ Fort Myers and had compiled an 11:6 K:BB with 11 H allowed in 14 IP for a 3.86 ERA over 11 appearances when the Twins traded him.

Daws could straggle to the majors and contribute to the Reds' bullpen in a couple of years, but Owens appears to have significant potential, though I doubt he'll receive much attention given the Twins other position prospects.