Up next: Reds

SCOUTING REPORT: The Reds resemble something of a classic stereotypical American League team: They don't pitch very well (5.77 ERA ranks 29th in majors), catch the ball very well (major-league high 62 errors), make contact that often (major-league high 532 strikeouts), but when they hit the ball, they tend to hit it hard and far (fourth in majors with 90 homers).

There is power throughout their lineup, including leadoff hitter Adam Dunn (20 homers leads majors), Aaron Boone (14), Austin Kearns (13), ex-Ray Jose Guillen (10), Jason LaRue (8) and Sean Casey (7). Guillen, who has complained about his lack of playing time (imagine that), is expected to be in the lineup for this series.

And then there's Ken Griffey, who, when healthy, has been one of the game's most complete, exciting and entertaining players.

The Reds have had the worst starting pitching in the majors, even worse than the Rays, but have stayed close to .500 because of a decent bullpen led by Scott Williamson.

They tend to make things exciting, producing 16 of their 30 wins in their final at-bat and winning 20 times by one or two runs.

Standout shortstop Barry Larkin, out with a sore calf, is close to returning from the disabled list and will accompany the team to St. Petersburg. His replacement, Felipe Lopez, is in a career-worst 0-for-21 and 4-for-41 slump.

DISABLED LIST: RHP Luke Prokopec, INF Ryan Freel, Larkin.

CONNECTIONS: Starter Paul Wilson pitched for the Rays from 2000-02. ... Bullpen coach Tom Hume was a star at St. Petersburg Northeast High. ... First-base coach Jose Cardenal had the same job with the Rays in 2000-01. ... Pitcher Danny Graves went to Brandon High. ... Chris Reitsma was a Rule 5 draft pick the Rays decided not to keep. ... Guillen was with the Rays 1999-2001. ... GM Jim Bowden is a graduate of Rollins College. ... Rays manager Lou Piniella managed the Reds 1990-1992, with John McLaren on his coaching staff.

SEASON SERIES: This is the first regular-season meeting.