Minor matters: Two to watch

There is a long list of the pitchers in the Reds' system having very good years. Let me bring two to your attention -- both good stories:

--Richie Gardner. He got the win for Sarasota Monday. He's 3-1 with a 2.20 ERA. His outing Tuesday was typical -- 6 ip, 4 hits, two runs, 1 walk, 6 Ks. Gardner, a 24-year-old right-hander, was the Chief Bender Award winner for 2004. Then he had the dreaded shoulder surgery. Looks like he's well on his way back.

--Pedro Viola. He got the save for Dayton Monday, his second save. He has a 1.59 ERA. In 11 1/3 innings, he's allowed seven hits, two walks and struck out 13. He's a 23-year-old lefty from the Dominican. He signed late -- this is only his second year. He was a starter last year in Dominican Summer League. He went 3-5 with a 2.04 ERA. He allowed 50 hits and struck out 77 and walked 20 in 61 2/3 innings.