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. ARRIVALS: C Ramon Hernandez (trade with Orioles), LHP Arthur Rhodes (free agent from Marlins), CF Willy Taveras (free agent from Rockies).
DEPARTURES: INF/OF Ryan Freel (traded to Orioles), LHP Jeremy Affeldt (free agent, signed with Giants), CF Corey Patterson (free agent, signed minor league deal with Nationals), INF Andy Phillips (free agent, signed minor league deal with Pirates).
FREE AGENTS: C Paul Bako, RHP Josh Fogg, INF/OF Jerry Hairston Jr., LHP Kent Mercker, C Javier Valentin, RHP Matt Belisle (non-tendered), RHP Gary Majewski (non-tendered).
The club is likely to pursue Hairston. Mercker is set for retirement.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: 3B Edwin Encarnacion, RHP David Weathers.
Encarnacion probably will be offered a multiyear deal. Weathers, a free agent, accepted the team's arbitration offer.
IN LIMBO: OF Corey Patterson, signed to a $3.5 million, one-year contract at mid-spring, is unlikely to return. RHP Homer Bailey, a former first-round draft pick, is likely available for the right deal.
MEDICAL WATCH:
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.
