--2B Brandon Phillips received his first Gold Glove award before Monday's opener and said, "It is the highlight of my career, even better than my 30/30 year because a lot of great players never won a Gold Glove, and defense is going to be where we excel this year."
--OF Jonny Gomes, who led the team this spring with four homers and was tied for second with 12 RBIs, was designated for assignment. He has 72 hours to decide whether to report to Class AAA Louisville or take free agency. OF Darnell McDonald won the reserve outfield slot, due partly to his defensive abilities. --SS Paul Janish, a defensive specialist, was kept over INF/OF Adam Rosales, a better hitter with more power, because the club was concerned about the health of SS Alex Gonzalez. Janish provides for insurance with the glove.
--C Wilkin Castillo was optioned to Class AAA Louisville as part of the Reds' final cuts. He batted .265 with no RBIs this spring.
BY THE NUMBERS: 3 -- Reds regulars who hit .300 or better this spring (LF Chris Dickerson, .323; 1B Joey Votto, .314; RF Jay Bruce, .300).
QUOTE TO NOTE: "This is a tough day when you make the final cuts, probably the toughest day of the year for me." -- Manager Dusty Baker, on April 5.
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