--RHP Homer Bailey, 0-6 with a 7.93 ERA in eight starts in 2008, is probably in need of a change of scenery. The team's first-round draft pick in 2004 is being shopped in trade talks.
--RHP Matt Belisle, a starter in 2007, will compete for a bullpen spot with the Reds in spring training. Belisle spent most of 2008 in the bullpen at Class AAA Louisville, where he was 5-1 with a 4.26 ERA. He started the season 1-4 with a 7.28 ERA in six starts with the Reds. --OF Jay Bruce started fast after making his major league debut on May 27, producing 15 hits and three homers in his first week. He became only the second player in 80 years to have a least 15 hits and three homers in his first week of the majors, matching Oakland's Mitchell Page (16 hits, three homers) in 1977.
--RHP Micah Owings appeared in four games with the Reds after he was obtained in September from the Diamondbacks to complete the OF Adam Dunn trade, and all of his work came in pinch-hitting assignments (two hits). He was unable to pitch due to shoulder problems, but the former third-round draft choice who was 8-8 as a rookie season in 2007 will compete for a rotation spot in spring training.
--OF Chris Dickerson, who hit better than .300 only once in his minor league career (.303, Class A Dayton in 2004), hit .304 in 31 games for the Reds this season. Dickerson, who was slowed by injuries in mid-September, will get a good look for one of the two vacant outfield spots, left field and center field.
BY THE NUMBERS: 35 -- Home runs allowed by RHP Aaron Harang in 2008, second most in the NL. Harang lost 17 games, tying Houston's Brandon Backe for most defeats in the NL.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I just know Aaron Harang is going to be back to the Aaron Harang of 2006 and 2007 when he won 32 games (16 each year) because he is far too good to be 6-17 (his 2008 record)." -- Manager Dusty Baker.
