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Reds being conservative in free agency | reds.com: News

Team eyeing right-handed-hitting slugger, left-handed hurler

By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
11/10/08 12:00 AM EST

CINCINNATI -- As the free-agent market prepares to open in earnest by the end of the week, don't expect the Reds to be heavy shoppers this offseason.

It's not that Cincinnati doesn't have real needs and holes to fill, because it certainly does.
General manager Walt Jocketty has identified his top concern: landing a consistent right-handed hitter or hitters, including one for left field. It's highly possible that the Reds might investigate catching help and potentially a shortstop. The rotation also lacks a proven left-handed starter.
The timing of supply and the Reds' demands is not in sync in this year's market. There are few desirable right-handed-hitting outfielders out there. For a team that had a $74 million payroll last season that's not likely to jump significantly, you can forget about Manny Ramirez. The rest of the crop comes with question marks -- lots of them. The real world of troubling economic times has affected everything in this country, and baseball isn't likely to be spared.

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