The Reds signed free agent outfielder Jonny Gomes, 28, to a minor league contract and invited him to their major league camp.
The team, in desperate need of a left fielder, hopes Gomes is the 2007 version, not 2008. Last season with Tampa Bay, he hit .182 with eight homers and 21 RBIs in 77 games, and the Rays left him off their postseason roster. In 2007, he hit .244 with 17 homers and 49 RBIs in 107 games. He batted .216 with 20 homers and 59 RBIs in 117 games in 2006.
Gomes would make $600,000 in 2009 if he's in the majors, with $200,000 in incentives.
The Reds are trying to fill a gaping hole in left field that has been there since they traded Adam Dunn last August.
The other candidates are Chris Dickerson, a rookie last year who came to the big leagues for the first time in August at 27 years old; and Jerry Hairston Jr., who may have to play shortstop if Alex Gonzalez is unable to recover from a broken knee.
