CINCINNATI Struggling closer shocked at release

Danny Graves was designated for assignment by the team.
CINCINNATI (AP) -- Closer Danny Graves was let go by the Cincinnati Reds on Monday, a day after he made an obscene hand gesture at a fan taunting him over his latest poor performance.
The club's career saves leader was shocked by the decision to designate him for assignment, a move that ended his eight-year career in Cincinnati. The Reds have 10 days to trade him or put him on waivers.
"I always knew this day would come," Graves said. "I didn't think it would be so soon."
Booed by fans Sunday
Graves gave up five ninth-inning runs in Cleveland's 9-2 victory Sunday at Great American Ball Park, then was booed and taunted by fans as he left the field.
He didn't react to the jeers as he walked off and got a drink in the dugout. When he moved to the end of the dugout by the bat rack, a man in one of the high-priced seats next nearby yelled at him. Graves yelled back and made an obscene hand gesture.
Graves spoke by telephone on Monday with general manager Dan O'Brien, who was out of town preparing for the amateur draft, and with other Reds officials.
"A lot of the off-field emotions had something to do with it, and last night when I flipped the man off had something to do with it," Graves said. "A fan cussed at me. I regret doing it. I planned on apologizing today."
Graves' latest tough outing raised his ERA to 7.76. He was 1-1 and had 10 saves in 12 chances.
The Reds had lost 18 of their last 23 games. O'Brien said that Graves' encounter with the fan wasn't the main reason for the move.
Performance unsatisfactory
"His performance has been unsatisfactory and unacceptable," O'Brien said in a conference call. "It hasn't been up to the standards we've come to expect for the Cincinnati Reds organization. We appreciate Danny's contributions to the organization, and we hope he finds an opportunity with another major league club."
Graves, 31, hasn't been the same since he agreed to help the team by moving into the rotation in 2003. A career reliever, Graves wore down during a 4-15 season that took several miles per hour off his fastball and took a toll on his body. He was throwing around 88 mph this season, down from 94 mph in his prime.
"I changed roles and probably ruined my career," Graves said. "I don't know. I don't have the answers. I felt like I've been given up on. It's a shock to me. If I can recall, I'm not the only closer that has struggled."
Graves is in the final guaranteed year on a $17.25 million, three-year deal, making a base salary of $6.25 million.
There was a mutual option for next season at $6.25 million, with no buyout.