Red herring: a new ballpark won't divert attention from Cincinnati's problems: a tenuous front-office situation and roster shortcomings that got worse the moment Ken Griffey Jr. suffered his latest injury. (Baseball).

Everything sets up so nicely: Perfect spring day, gleaming new ball-park, a healthy Ken Griffey Jr. at the plate, swaying his hips, wagging his bat, looking like his All-Century self. The moment is worthy of a snapshot: Griffey, the hometown star, swinging away at festive Great American Ball Park, a joyous departure from dark, depressing Cinergy Field.

The picture disappears seemingly in an instant, replaced by the more familiar image of Griffey lying on his back, writhing in pain. It's a dislocated shoulder this time, not another leg injury. But for the second straight year, Griffey has failed to survive the first week of the season. He is expected to be out at ...