…Apparently Dusty would like to again manage Kerry Wood.

“We have a closer already in [Francisco] Cordero, who we have under contract for a few more years,” Baker said Monday. “But somebody can use Kerry Wood. I am going to call him. I like Kerry Wood as a person, not just as a ballplayer, but as a person. I will give him a call and see what’s up.”

The Reds finished 5th in the NL Central last season with a record of 74-88. They are 0-1 in the offseason, in my opinion, letting Jeremy Affeldt sign with the Giants. They are trying to sign Arthur Rhodes to replace him. Rhodes just turned 39.

They have some good youngsters in Votto, Bruce, Volquez, Cueto and Dickerson. They have the potential for a good rotation and a decent closer in Cordero. Will this club spend some cash and get some vets for Dusty? Not likely. They traded Dunn and Griffey Jr. And there is a rumor of a Jermaine Dye for Homer Bailey swap. But other than that I don’t think the Reds are expected to jump into the free agent fray.

[tags]Cincinnati Reds, Dusty Baker, Jermaine Dye, Kerry Wood[/tags]