Reds Adding To Roster

Under the direction of new Cincinnati Reds CEO and Owner Bob Castellini, the club continues making aggressive roster moves. Beginning last summer, when the team traded popular stars Austin Kearns (OF) and Felipe Lopez (SS) and pitcher Ryan Wagner to the Washington Nationals for a wounded middle-reliever (Gary Majewski), pitchers Bill Bray and Daryl Thompson, shortstop Royce Clayton and infielder Brendan Harris. While the trade failed (the goal was obviously to bolster pitching in an attempt to gain post-season play), Castellini deserves credit for at least being willing to shake up the roster.

Recognizing the pitching problems haven't been solved, this off season the club's again at work. The Reds have added veteran outfielder/first basemen Jeff Conine to the mix. Rather than being attracted by his low price tag ($2M, one year), the Reds claim to have been attracted by his professionalism and durability.

Last month the Reds also traded for Alex Gonzalez, a World Series-winning shortstop, and Mike Stanton, a left-handed late-innings reliever. Further proving last summer's massive trade initiative is a confirmed flop, this week the team designated Harris for assignment to make room for the new players.

Only time will tell if Castellini's latest moves prove successful. In the interim, critics should at least respect the new owner's attempts to right the ship. If he could just get behind the effort to enshrine Pete Rose, I could like him all the more.