For the eighth consecutive year, the Reds finished below .500, but they showed improvement under new manager Dusty Baker, particularly in the rotation that seldom varied in the top four (RHPs Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, All-Star Edinson Volquez and rookie Johnny Cueto).
BIGGEST NEEDS: With three pitchers in the bullpen eligible for free agency, the bullpen will have to be rebuilt. The team is set for power on the left side with 1B Joey Votto and RF Jay Bruce, but it needs to find right-handed pop. A solid starting catcher is something that could be pursued. FREE AGENTS: LHP Jeremy Affeldt, C Paul Bako RHP Josh Fogg, INF/OF Jerry Hairston Jr., RHP Mike Lincoln, LHP Kent Mercker, CF Corey Patterson, C Javier Valentin, RHP David Weathers.
The club is likely to pursue Affeldt, Hairston and Lincoln and probably Weathers, who has said he will test the free agent waters, while Mercker is set for retirement.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: RHP Matt Belisle, INF/OF Jolbert Cabrera, 3B Edwin Encarnacion, RHP Gary Majewski, INF Andy Phillips.
Encarnacion and Belisle probably will be retained, with Encarnacion offered a multiyear deal. The rest are not likely to be offered contracts.
IN LIMBO: OF Corey Patterson, signed to a $3.5 million, one-year contract at mid-spring, could be moved if another team is interested. The Reds also would like to trade OF Ryan Freel, who missed most of the season with an injury assortment but is due $4 million next season. RHP Homer Bailey, a former first-round draft pick, is likely available for the right deal.
MEDICAL WATCH:
OF Ryan Freel (right hamstring surgery in July 2008) is expected to be ready for spring training.
OF Norris Hopper (Tommy John right elbow surgery in July 2008) is expected to be ready for spring training.
RHP Francisco Cordero (right foot surgery in September 2008) is rehabbing and is expected to be 100 percent by spring training.
OF Chris Dickerson (left ankle surgery in September 2008) is rehabbing and is expected to be 100 percent by spring training.
2B Brandon Phillips (right index finger surgery in September 2008) is rehabbing and is expected to be 100 percent by spring training.
SS Alex Gonzalez (left knee surgery in July 2008) hopes to be ready for 2009.
