Spring training has begun. Exhibition games are right on its heels. The major league baseball season is right around third base.

With the dawn of a new season comes new hope for each fan. But with that new hope also comes some questions, and at this time of the year there are a lot of questions.

Maybe new Cincinnati Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky can offer some answers.

And Krivsky is going to answer YOUR questions, not some reporter’s. Whether it’s a good move for him or not, Krivsky is going to take a chance and speak directly with the fans.

Sort of.

Krivsky, hired Feb. 8 by new owner Bob Castellini to replace Dan “I accomplished very little” O’Brien, will chat online with fans for a half-hour Monday beginning at 11:30 a.m.

To participate, fans must register in advance by going online at reds.com or MLB.com

The Reds plan to open a chat line each Monday during the spring with a different member of the team participating.

Krivsky can expect questions about Ken Griffey Jr.’s health and his participation in the World Baseball Classic, how good is the Reds pitching and is there any way to improve the staff, are there any trades in the works, why did you trade Sean Casey and how soon do you think it will be before the Reds REALLY expect to contend for a championship.

I have a few questions, as you might expect.

Why was

Don Gullett fired as pitching coach? He’s considered one of the best in the business. It’s not like his replacement Vern Ruhle worked any miracles.

Adam Dunn can hit, but can he provide the defense that Casey did?

How long will it be before we get rid of the color of black in the uniforms and become the Reds again instead of Pittsburgh West?

Will Mr. Red and Mr. Met finally meet in a battle to decide who is the most bland mascot?

Has Gapper been replaced, his hours cut back or discovered that the Philly Fanatic is really his long-lost brother and they were separated at the costume factory?

Will Wily Mo Pena be required to wear his batting helmet in the outfield for his own protection?

Will Ryan Freel be allowed to drive the team bus? And if so, will it be only before the game and never after any postgame celebrations?

Is Austin Kearns only allowed to patronize Subway if he has to eat fast food?

Has Eric Milton learned that he should only throw batting practice before the game, not during?

And finally, will the Reds allow me to ask any more questions?

Jim Walker is sports editor of The Ironton Tribune.