BASEBALL : DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJOR LEAGUES

Jose Rijo, the World Series most valuable player, is fuming over Manager Lou Piniella’s choice of Tom Browning as the Cincinnati Reds’ opening-day starter. “I don’t think it’s fair,” Rijo said. “I have respect for Tom Browning. He’s a great pitcher. But when Lou picks Browning, he’s showing me no respect. He’s playing with my head, and I don’t like it.”

Browning has made two opening-day starts for the Reds, and his 93 career victories are tops on the Reds’ pitching staff.

Rijo, 25, had two wisdom teeth removed and missed several days of practice, which Piniella said contributed to his decision to go with Browning. “This will give (Rijo) a couple more days to get ready.”

Rijo’s response? “That’s bull. If I can’t get ready in six starts down here (in Florida), I’ve got a problem. What am I, 45 years old?”