--CF Willy Taveras, acquired to become the ignition switch atop the batting order, has hit safely in five of his first seven games and scored at least one run in six of those seven games. He has three stolen bases after leading the NL last year with 68 while with the Rockies.
--RHP Johnny Cueto opens a four-game series in Houston on Friday, a team against which the Reds were 3-12 last year. Cueto made four starts against the Astros and was 0-3; the bullpen blew a lead for him in the fourth game. --RHP David Weathers, 39, became the 20th player in major league history to pitch in 900 games when he pitched against the Brewers on Tuesday night. Weathers remains the team's setup man for closer Francisco Cordero.
BY THE NUMBERS: 0 -- Quality starts the first time through the rotation, a stretch that ended April 12 when RHP Aaron Harang threw a shutout.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "What I'm telling my team right now is the title of John Wooden's book, 'Be Quick and Don't Hurry.'" -- Manager Dusty Baker.
