Cincinnati Reds Roster Report 2009-01-25

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).

ARRIVALS: C Ramon Hernandez (trade with Orioles), LHP Arthur Rhodes (free agent from Marlins), CF Willy Taveras (free agent from Rockies), OF Jonny Gomes (minor league free agent from Rays).

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), RHP Gary Majewski (non-tendered, signed minor league deal with Phillies), RHP Matt Belisle (non-tendered, signed minor league deal with Rockies).

FREE AGENTS: C Paul Bako, RHP Josh Fogg, LHP Kent Mercker, C Javier Valentin.

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.

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.

Author: Fox Sports

Author's Website: http://www.foxsports.com

Added: January 25, 2009