PulseJournal.com

CINCINNATI — Bronson Arroyo wants it known that he is not only as fit as a fiddle, but as fit as the guitar he plays and there should be no concern for his physical well-being.

Well, how about the 1-4 record and the 8.63 earned run average?

"My body feels great and I'm getting beat fair and square," said Arroyo. "No excuses. Physically, I feel good. I don't even have one ache. Nothing I can complain about, like 'My knees is bugging me or I have a headache.'"

It all began Sunday after the Atlanta Braves beat up Arroyo for seven runs and seven hits in 1 1/3 innings, the shortest start of his career.

Afterward, manager Dusty Baker was asked about Arroyo's status and he said he was at a loss and thought off-the-cuff that maybe a check-up was in order.

Arroyo visited Baker's office Monday to do handstands, back flips and jumping jacks — whatever it took to convince the manager he is physically fit.

"I'm searching, like everybody else," said Baker. "I told Bronson, I'm just searching because there is nothing I can put my finger on. He told me and (pitching coach) Dick Pole that he's fine. The trainers checked him and found nothing. Searching."

Since starting 9-3 with the Reds, Arroyo is 15-27.

"That's the way baseball is," said Arroyo. "When you aren't getting it done people try to put their finger on what it is. Guys on the other side are getting paid as much as me to beat me. I'm battling those guys every day and sometimes you win and sometimes you don't."

Griffey loses friend

Frank King, 38, a man of whom Ken Griffey Jr. once said, "He is not only my best friend, he is my only friend," died Monday in Orlando of rectal cancer.

"He died at 12:28, bled to death," said Griffey. King had been in and out of intensive care since July. He attended Cincinnati Aiken high school and was Griffey's childhood friend. He lived in Orlando and leaves a wife of four years and a 3-year-old daughter.

Griffey saw the lineup card and wasn't on it, so he, like Arroyo, visited Baker's office, "To straighten out this lineup thing."

"I didn't figure that spiritually and mentally he would be in a state of mind to focus," said Baker. "During my clubhouse meeting Sunday I told the guys to play for somebody sick. And Junior said that is what his friend would have wanted him to do. You can tell he's hurting."

So Baker put Griffey into the lineup.

Bray optioned out

Pitcher Bill Bray was optioned back to Class AAA Louisville Monday and he was neither surprised nor upset.

"It's not a big deal," he said. "I knew Davie Weathers was coming off the disabled list and I'm just glad he is healthy and able to pitch. All I can do is go to Louisville and pitch good enough to get back.

"The good thing is that Louisville is going to Norfolk, my home, and I'll be able to stay with my grandfather and that's pretty cool."

Hopper stays on DL

Outfielder Norris Hopper was eligible to come off the DL Monday, but remained on it because he is still unable to throw due to a nerve in his right elbow. He is taking batting practice about three times a week.

"I'm getting, but it's just that nerve," said Hopper. "I took a cortisone shot but that didn't go too good. The pain is gone, but that nerve still bothers me."

Quote(s) of the day

"This may be the first time I'm ever booed in my own ballpark." — Broadcaster Marty Brennaman, referring to the fact Cubs fans dominated Great American Ball Park Monday and Brennaman ripped Cubs fans when the Reds were in Chicago.

"Been a tough year for deaths. Let's quit counting." — manager Dusty Baker as he ticked off team-associated deaths this year (Norris Hopper's father, Mike Stanton's brother, Kent Mercker's mother, Alex Gonzalez's grandmother, Griffey's best friend, Joe Nuxhall, Bob Howsam, Chief Bender).

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