The Reds and general manager Walt Jocketty will be seeking one or two right-handed bats during the off-season -- preferably at least one of those players would play left field. There could also be a search for a centerfielder/leadoff hitter if the club decides rookie Chris Dickerson isn't ready full-time or if free agent Jerry Hairston Jr. isn't re-signed. Also expect the Reds to kick the tires on a few catchers -- the Rangers potentially have four available this winter. Cincinnati has some depth with starting pitching, with several young arms likely to be vying for the fifth spot. When it comes to inquiries for Johnny Cueto and Edinson Volquez, expect the Reds to say no.
Outfielder Corey Patterson and catcher Paul Bako became the last two Reds to file for free agency on Monday. Neither will be re-signed by the club, especially Patterson after a brutal season at the plate (.205 BA, .238 OBP). Of the team's seven other free agents, the most effort has been directed towards retaining reliever David Weathers and Hairston.
And for what it's worth, the NY Times spotted Jocketty chatting with Yankees GM Brian Cashman Monday morning for about a half-hour on the back porch of the golf resort site where the GM meetings are being held in Dana Point, Calif. New York is in need of starting pitching, too.
--- Mark Sheldon reds.com
