--OF Norris Hopper was non-tendered, as were RHPs Gary Majewski and Matt Belisle, but the club quickly signed Hopper to a one-year contract. Hopper batted .200 in 26 games (50 at-bats) for Cincinnati this year.
--1B Joey Votto and OF Jay Bruce, coming off their rookie seasons, are the only left-handed bats in the lineup, but GM Walt Jocketty is searching for a right-handed bat to put between them. --SS Alex Gonzalez missed all of last season with a knee problem, "but we've been told he'll be ready for spring training," GM Walt Jocketty said. "If not, we have Jeff Keppinger and Paul Janish and we hope to re-sign (free agent) Jerry Hairston Jr."
--C Javier Valentin, a switch hitter and the team's top pinch hitter in recent seasons, is a free agent, but GM Walt Jocketty suggested he might be pursued as a third catcher. "We have to fill out our outfield and some bench spots, and it may or may not happen right away, but we're working on it," he said.
--SS Zack Cozart was voted the low Class A Midwest League's best defensive shortstop, while 3B Juan Francisco was voted the best power hitter and best defensive player at his position in the high Class A Florida State League.
BY THE NUMBERS: 3 -- Outfielders on the 40-man roster as of mid-December (Jay Bruce, Chris Dickerson, Norris Hopper).
QUOTE TO NOTE: "His market value might be beyond our reach, so we're looking at some non-tendered players, a few free agents or maybe a trade." -- GM Walt Jocketty, when asked if free agent Pat Burrell might be the right-handed outfielder he is seeking.
