Reds eye pop as free agency opens

CINCINNATI -- When the clock struck 12:01 a.m. ET on Friday, the free-agent market completely opened for business and the exclusive negotiating window teams had with their own free agents had closed.

Players are now free to negotiate with any team they wish. The Reds did not sign any of their nine free agents during the 15-day exclusive window that began upon the completion of the World Series.

Cincinnati's free agents are relievers David Weathers, Jeremy Affeldt, Mike Lincoln and Kent Mercker, utility player Jerry Hairston Jr., catchers Javier Valentin and Paul Bako, outfielder Corey Patterson and starting pitcher Josh Fogg.

Weathers told MLB.com on Wednesday that he has "flipped the page" with the Reds because, despite the club's interest in retaining him, he hadn't received an offer during the exclusive negotiation period. The 39-year-old planned to talk to several teams once the market opened.

Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said there is still interest in keeping Weathers. Jocketty has held talks with Hairston's agent, Casey Close. Both sides have expressed interest in having Hairston return.

There is also interest in retaining Affeldt and Lincoln. Patterson and Bako were already informed they wouldn't be re-signed and Mercker seemed intent on retiring.

As for filling needs outside the organization, Jocketty has already made it clear that the free-agent route will be secondary to efforts toward making trades. If the Reds do explore free agents seriously, look for them to wait out the market to see how the nation's struggling economy affects the prices to sign players.

There are very few right-handed run producers on the open market that likely interest the Reds. The biggest free-agent name in their price range is Pat Burrell from the Phillies.

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The Reds' top need is for a consistent right-handed hitter or hitters. Jocketty is also seeking catching help and wouldn't mind adding an inexpensive shortstop as insurance for Alex Gonzalez, in case he isn't healthy.

Should Weathers, Affeldt and Lincoln not re-sign, the club will have double its efforts to find veteran relievers for the seventh and eighth innings.

And keep an eye on injured lefty Mark Mulder. Jocketty wouldn't mind adding a left-handed starter to the mix and has already indicated interest in reuniting with Mulder, who pitched for Jocketty on the Cardinals.