Cincinnati Reds Inside Pitch 2009-01-10

After much delay and posturing, Jerry Hairston Jr. did what was expected all along -- re-sign with the Reds. Hairston agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract, with $2 million more in incentives, and is prepared to play just the way he played last season -- anywhere, everywhere and often.

He hit .326 while playing six positions for the Reds last season and is prepared to wander out to any of those positions this year, "anywhere (manager) Dusty Baker wants me to play," he said.

Hairston, 32, said he might play a lot of shortstop at the beginning of the season while Alex Gonzalez tries to ease himself back into game shape after a year off.

Hairston envisions himself batting second behind recently acquired center fielder Willy Taveras.

"A couple of speed guys who can wreak havoc," Hairston said. "We can get on base for Jay Bruce, Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips. I have three goals -- get on base, score a ton of runs and help the team win."

Why only a one-year deal at relatively low price? A combination of reasons.

The Reds want to see if he can stay injury-free, while Hairston wants to see if he can put together a career year and become a high-value player.

Author: Fox Sports

Author's Website: http://www.foxsports.com

Added: January 10, 2009