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Home , Big Red Machine, Brennan Boesch, Bryan Price, Bryan Price (pitcher), Chattanooga Lookouts, Chris Dominguez

Press Clippings March 17, 2015

THIS DAY IN REDS HISTORY 1978-The Reds are the first to don green uniforms for a St. Patrick’s Day exhibition. The Reds even order green catching gear for the occasion.

CINCINNATI ENQUIRER Even if reinstated, 's Hall future uncertain By C. Trent Rosecrans / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected] / @ctrent

Even if Pete Rose is reinstated to , that would not guarantee him an easy road to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.

On Monday, commissioner Rob Manfred said Rose had formally applied to have his lifetime ban lifted. Manfred said he would "deal with" Rose's request.

Rose, who has been banned from the game since 1989, was ruled ineligible for the Hall in 1991, when the organization voted to ban players on baseball's permanently ineligible list. If reinstated, Rose would have to be elected to the Hall by Expansion Era Committee, according to Hall of Fame spokesman Brad Horn.

"Rose would be an eligible candidate for Hall of Fame consideration based on if he were to be reinstated by Major League Baseball," Horn wrote to the Enquirer in an email on Monday. "Should Rose be moved off Baseball's Ineligible list, his candidacy would fall to the Expansion Era Committee (which next votes next winter – 2016 for Induction in 2017), based on the rules for election. Only candidates who last appeared in a major league game within a 15-year window can be considered by the BBWAA."'

Rose's induction into the Hall of Fame would rest on a 16-member committee that meets at baseball's annual , needing the same 75 percent standard that is required by the constituency of the members of the BBWAA who have earned voting privileges by being active members of the organization for 10 years.

While the writers' ballots are cast individually and mailed to the Hall, the Era Committees meet on a rotating basis each December and spend a day-and-a-half discussing the candidates. That may not help Rose, said Sports Illustrated's Jay Jaffe, a preeminent Hall of Fame scholar.

"His case, however, is going to be about more than just numbers, and no matter what its form, the is a very difficult place to marshal a 75 percent consensus, so difficult that they've elected no living player since Bill Mazeroski in 2001 — and none of the candidates to come before them since then had a two-decade suspension for the game's (supposedly) most unpardonable sin," Jaffe wrote in an email on Monday. "There might be a faction of former players on the Expansion Era Committee who are sympathetic to his cause, but I'm skeptical that it would be enough to carry the day on the 2017 ballot."

The Era Committees replaced the Veteran's Committee in 2010, separating the Hall of Fame candidates into three different eras, the Expansion Era (1973-present), the Golden Era (1947-1973) and the Pre-Integration Era (1871-1946). Individual Era Committees meet on a triennial basis, and the ballot up for debate in any given year is determined by an Historical Overview Committee, a group selected by the BBWAA.

Last year, the Golden Era Committee was comprised of eight Hall of Fame members (, Rod Carew, , Ferguson Jenkins, Al Kaline, , Ozzie Smith and Don Sutton), four major league executives (, Jim Frey, David Glass and Roland Hemond) and four media members (Steve Hirdt, Dick Kaegel, Phil Pepe and Tracy Ringolsby). Hall of Fame Chairman of the Board Jane Forbes Clark served as the non-voting chairman of the Golden Era Committee.

No one was elected in December, with and Tony Olivia each falling one vote short. Former Reds general had three or fewer votes, according to the official release in December. The committee keeps its voting confidential.

"The reason nobody got in the last time wasn't that anyone was trying to keep anyone out, it was just a deep pool," said Ringolsby, who served on the committee for the first time last winter.

Ringolsby said he doesn't know what to expect if Rose were to be on the Expansion Era Committee ballot.

"I really don't know, because there are a lot of people who say they believe he shouldn't be in and people who believe he should, but nobody's had to make that decision yet," Ringolsby said. "My own feelings are, if a person is cleared to be on the Hall of Fame ballot, I can't be the judge of morality. I'm not saying that to endorse Pete Rose. My opinion has always been that if a person is cleared to be on the ballot, it's my job to evaluate that person's career. I don't have a problem voting for , or voting for Barry Bonds or any of those players. My feeling is that if they're included on the ballot, it is a tacit endorsement that they're eligible to be in the Hall of Fame."

Not all the writers have come to the same conclusion on Bonds or Clemens, so it would seem the 16-member Expansion Era Committee would have just as much trouble coming to a consensus on the game's all-time hits leader.

"There are going to be some interesting discussions," Ringolsby said.

Reds' bats come alive in 10-4 win over the Giants By John Fay / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected] / @Johnfayman

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — After scoring a total of four runs over the last three games, the Reds got their offense going with power in a 10-4 victory over the .

Brennan Boesch, , Skip Schumaker and Chris Dominguez each home runs.

The arms: The Reds extended their streak of hitless innings to 9 2/3 before Paul Maholm allowed a two- homer to Joaquin Arias in the fifth. Raisel Iglesias started and went 2 2/3 no-hit innings. He walked one and struck out two. Sam LeCure pitched two scoreless innings.

The bats: Boesch hit his third of the spring, a team-high. Bruce hit his second homer of the spring, and Schumaker hit his first. Both were two-run shots. Dominguez' was a solo shot.

The rest: Kristopher Negron made a great play at third: He stopped a hard shot down the line with a dive, got up and threw out. Negron was caught stealing. The Reds are 3-for-11 on stolen base attempts.

Up next: The Reds play the in a road game at . Right-hander Mike Leake (1-0, 0.00) faces Indian ace Corey Kluber in a 4:05 p.m. game. The game is on Fox Sports Ohio and WSAI (1360-AM). , Burke Badenhop and Tony Cingrani are scheduled to follow Leake.

Lifting Pete Rose ban: What it means and doesn't By C. Trent Rosecrans / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected] / @ctrent

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Pete Rose's fate now officially lies in the hands Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred.

Manfred, who took over the job in January, has received Pete Rose's request for reinstatement, he said on Monday.

"I do have a formal request from Pete," Manfred said Monday as he visited the during a tour of camps. "I'll be in communication with his representatives about how we're going to handle that request."

If Rose's lifetime ban were to be lifted, it hardly guarantees a clear path to the Hall of Fame. But it would open the door for the all- time hits leader to play a much greater role with the Reds organization.

A video from February of Manfred talking about Rose:

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said Monday that he knows he will ultimately have to make a decision on Pete Rose's ban from baseball, but it will be a private matter.

Manfred wanted to be clear that at this point, Rose's request is nothing more than that.

"I don't think people should read any predisposition into what I'm saying," Manfred said. "I see it as simply he's made a request. Part of my obligation under the major league constitution is to deal with those requests. I don't have any predisposition."

If not, Manfred is alone.

Rose is baseball's third rail — a topic so toxic nobody wants to take it on, lest they offend the wrong people.

On Monday, the Reds — and owner — declined comment on the fact that Manfred had gotten Rose's reinstatement. Major League Baseball's officials would only confirm that Manfred did indeed make the statement — nothing more, nothing less.

According to the Associated Press, Rose's lawyer, Ray Genco, said he and his client were declining comment other than to confirm the application had been submitted.

Manfred told writers he would talk to Rose, but hasn't yet.

"But I don't want to get into a public back-and-forth," Manfred said. "I owe it to him to deal privately."

The team itself has done the same. The Reds Hall of Fame, which had many starts and stops across its 57 years in existence, follows the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum's guidelines when inducting players, not allowing players on baseball's permanently ineligible list to be inducted. So not only has Pete Rose not been inducted into Cooperstown, he's also not in the Hall of Fame on Joe Nuxhall Way.

Rose's artifacts are scattered throughout both halls of fame, but the true honor – the plaques in Cooperstown and at , exist only in imagination.

So, too, do the thoughts of Pete Rose sitting in the owner's suite or the general manager's booth or even the dugout. Rose is a specter at Great American Ball Park, a stadium he never played in, but his spirit lives inside. His No. 14 is missing between the retired No. 13 of Davey Concepcion and the 18 of , despite the fact only his son, Pete Rose Jr., has worn it in a game for the Reds.

Rose can attend Reds games, but he cannot receive admission from the team, he can only be a paying fan. The all-time hits leader isn't allowed on the field without special permission, he can't serve as a or instructor in the major or minor leagues and he can't serve in a front office. He still comes to several games a year, and the TV cameras inevitably find him, often wearing some variation of a Reds cap, and he'll be shown on the scoreboard to raucous applause and a chant of "Pete-Pete-Pete."

His presence isn't the only reminder of Rose at and around the Reds' stadium, which is bordered by Pete Rose Way. From the rose garden outside the Hall of Fame to the 14 baseball bats atop the "power stacks" in right-center field and the picture of the bat and ball from his 4,192nd hit, Rose's name is but a whisper, a wink and a nod from the franchise.

But Manfred can give the Reds an opportunity to yell Rose's name, profess a city's love for its native son – a forbidden love for many, but a deep love just the same. What's more interesting is that there is a natural time and place for this celebration, as baseball readies its largest annual showcase – the All-Star Game slated for Great American Ball Park this July.

The keys to the epic celebration are the hands of the former lawyer for Major League Baseball. Manfred was careful in his comments on Monday.

"I'm prepared to deal with that request on the merits," Manfred said. "I want to make sure I understand all of the details of the and commissioner (Bart) Giamatti's decision and the agreement that was ultimately reached. I want to hear what Pete has to say and I'll make a decision once I've done that."

Washington attorney John Dowd led baseball's investigation into Rose for "serious allegations," though they did not specify to what at the time. The Dowd Report outlines the offenses of Rose betting on baseball.

Manfred could uphold Rose's lifetime ban, reverse it, or do what his predecessor, did – nothing. Rose formally applied for reinstatement in 1997, but Selig, who presided over the sport until January, took no action.

The last option – the avoidance – doesn't seem one that Manfred is willing to take, or at least that's what he said last month when asked by The Enquirer about Rose's status.

"I'm not going to comment on Mr. Rose's situation, since ultimately I'll have to make that decision," Manfred said in February. "The process will be set as a result of private communications between Mr. Rose and my office."

Rose's representatives are mum, as well. And that may be a good thing for Rose's reinstatement chances.

"The thing I'm concerned most about Pete is that Pete keep his mouth shut and let this whole process play out," said Marty Brennaman, the Reds broadcaster and friend of Rose. "He can't say something that is going to hurt him, which's he's done in the past."

Rose denied betting on baseball until 2003, when he said in a TV interview that he'd admitted to Selig in 2002 that he'd bet on baseball. He then released a book, "My Prison Without Bars" in 2004, at the same time of the Hall of Fame announcement of the election of Paul Molitor and Dennis Eckersley. In the minds of many, Rose's publicity stunt closed the doors to the Hall for him forever, or at least under Selig.

Selig's retirement seemed to open the door, even if just a crack, to Rose's entrance to the Hall. That, however, could also prove difficult. According to Hall of Fame spokesman Brad Horn, if Rose were removed from baseball's banned list, his enshrinement would be in the hands of the 16-member Expansion Era Committee for the Hall of Fame, not the writers from the Baseball Writers Association of America.

The Hall of Fame's veterans' committees have not elected a living player since 2001, and last December the Golden Age Committee didn't elect a single candidate.

That's still speculation of what could happen. At this point, there's no telling what will happen and the ramifications a reinstatement may have. But there is a renewed hope.

"The fact Rob Manfred is going to hear his case is sensational," Brennaman said. "Rob Manfred has been more open about this than Bud Selig ever was. It seemed like every time this thing came up Bud bent over backwards to avoid discussing it.

"I think Rob, coming into the office, is embracing the Pete Rose situation. Whether or not that's good for Pete, only time will tell."

Reds cut 9, including Holmberg By John Fay / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected] / @Johnfayman

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Reds trimmed their roster from 54 to 45 Monday. Right-handers Dylan Axlerod, Carlos Contreras and Daniel Corcino and left-handers David Holmberg and Ryan Dennick were optioned to Triple-A Louisville. Left-hander was optioned to Single-A Daytona.

Catcher Ramon Cabrera, right-hander Jon Moscot and Felix Perez were assigned to the minor league camp.

Players on the 40-man roster must be optioned. Non-roster players are reassigned.

The biggest surprise in the group is Holmberg, 23. He was competing for the fourth or fifth spot in the rotation. He went 2-1 with a 2.50 ERA in September last year. He was 0-1 with a 2.57 ERA over three games and seven innings this spring.

"Having this type of roster and this situation, we had to make some calls fairly early in spring training as far as roles and probabilities with our group," Reds manager said. "We don't have the ability to give everybody the amount of innings needed to completely evaluate them in spring training. We had to make some decisions."

That cost Holmberg his spot.

"With David there's some room for him to get his delivery down where he's executing pitches at higher percentage" Price said. "It doesn't mean anything at all about our lack of confidence in his ability to be an outstanding big league starter.

"Right now, we have some guys ahead of him."

Holmberg hasn't shown so far in spring the proficiency that made him so good in September.

"Not to that level," Price said. "But he's so much better than he was this time last year. He's in better shape, his arm's in better shape. The quality of his pitches is much improved."

The Reds aren't basing their decision strictly on spring or what players did last year.

"If you go based on last year's statistics, Holmberg and Axlerod could be guys penciled into the rotation. But we have to look at who we feel over the course of a full season are closest to being able to help us win at a consistent level.

"My feeling is both of those guys need a little more refinement before they're ready to be penciled in as major league regulars."

Cingrani to bullpen; Iglesias in the rotation By John Fay / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected] / @Johnfayman

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Left-hander Tony Cingrani is out of the race for the Reds starting rotation, but he will be competing for the bullpen spot. Right-hander Raisel Iglesias will start today's game instead of Cingrani.

"We're going to be getting Iglesias stretched out," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "We're looking at Tony as more of a relief option than a starting option. We're looking at our club and trying to figure how we're the best."

"There's challenges here. As much as there's opportunity because there's two spots open in the rotation with the trades of (Alfredo) Simon and (Mat) Latos, we brought in a bunch of people we feel are worthy competing for those jobs," Price said. "But we don't have the innings to give them to everybody."

"We've got to try to find a way to get out of the gates strong. At this time, we felt organizationally that Tony's better suited for us as a relief ."

Cingrani was clearly unhappy with the move. He has repeatedly said he sees himself as a starter. Asked if he was disappointed, Cingrani said: "Obviously – I want to pitch that's about it."

The Reds also cut David Holmberg on Monday.

That leaves right-handers Iglesias, , Anthony DeSclafani and left-hander Paul Maholm competing for the open spots in the rotation. There will be three at the start of the season because will miss one or two starts to begin the season.

Iglesias, the 25-year-old Cuban the Reds signed for $27 million, has four pitches he can throw for strikes, which is perfect for starting. But Iglesias is being looked as both a starter and a reliever. For example, he could be in the rotation until Bailey returns and then go to the bullpen or the minors.

"The thing is, we've got veteran guys like Marquis and Maholm and we don't want to use them one start," Price said. "If they're going to be on our team, the hope is they're on our team for the entire season if not longer. That's how we have to look at it. You can back-and-forth a young guy. He can start a game or two, go down the minor leagues or go into the bullpen and help as a long guy.

"Marquis and Maholm are looking more like long-term, start-to-finish options for us."

Cingrani, 25, could return to rotation as some point. He went 7-4 with a 2.92 ERA as a rookie in 2013. Keeping him strong and healthy is a priority for now, Price said.

"We've had a hard time doing that the last two years with his hip, his back and shoulder," Price said. "One of the things we hope is pitching out of the bullpen will allow him to be strong and remain strong, then evaluate him if he can be a starter in the future."

Price had listed Cingrani as a favorite for one of the rotation spots all offseason. Cingrani gave up one run over five innings in his two outings this spring.

"It's not a slap in the face," Price said. "Our job is to put together what we think is out best 25-man roster to start the season."

MLB.COM Reds unleash four homers against Giants Boesch, Bruce, Schumaker, Dominguez go yard; Iglesias has strong start By Doug Miller / MLB.com

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Long balls flew out of breezy Goodyear Ballpark on Monday afternoon end ended up being the story in the Reds' 10-4 victory over the visiting Giants.

Home runs by Brennan Boesch, Jay Bruce, Skip Schumaker and Chris Dominguez paced the Cincinnati offense, which scored all of its runs from the third through eighth innings, with at least one in each of the six frames. The Giants' only hit through the first six innings was of the round-trip variety, with Joaquin Arias going deep on a two-run homer.

"It's just strange, especially coming off the last couple of games," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "It's just today we were feeling it and performed really well offensively."

Reds right-hander Raisel Iglesias, who's seeking a rotation spot, made his first start of the spring after three relief appearances and didn't give up a hit in 2 2/3 scoreless innings. Paul Maholm, also in the mix for a starting job, gave up Arias' homer in 2 1/3 innings.

"I thought Iglesias got better as the game went on," Price said. "I thought he got under some pitches early and made some good adjustments. He was attacking the zone. I thought he had really good stuff."

Jumbo Diaz allowed a single and Carlos Triunfel's two-run homer while working the ninth.

Giants starter Chris Stratton gave up two runs (one earned) on seven hits in two innings. Reliever Sergio Romo made his spring debut after being on the sidelines with shoulder soreness. He gave up Boesch's solo shot in the fourth and then retired the next three batters in one inning of work.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy welcomed Romo's return, given his integral role in San Francisco's bullpen.

"It's been our strength, and he's a big part of that, whether he's closing or setting up," Bochy said.

Reds Khristopher Negron went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored, and had a single and double for Cincinnati. Bruce added a sacrifice fly in the third and Kyle Waldrop doubled in a run in the eighth. Mac Williamson doubled in the seventh inning for the Giants' second hit of the game.

Reds Up Next: The Reds remain in Goodyear for the second installment of their four-game "homestand," although Tuesday's game will technically be of the "road" variety since they're playing their stadium-mates, the Cleveland Indians. Mike Leake will get the ball for the Reds and will try to keep his stellar spring going. Leake is unscored upon in two spring starts spanning five innings. Leake is scheduled to be followed by Aroldis Chapman, Burke Badenhop and Tony Cingrani.

Cingrani to 'pen as Reds shed light on rotation plans Iglesias getting stretched out; veterans Marquis, Maholm look like strong bets By Doug Miller / MLB.com

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Tony Cingrani was supposed to start Monday's Cactus League game against the Giants in his continued bid for one of the three spots available in the Reds' rotation. But the left-hander was pushed back to a relief appearance on Tuesday against the Indians, while righty Raisel Iglesias got the nod for Monday.

In Spring Training, such a move could just be something procedural, but it turns out there's more to it.

"It means that we're going to get Iglesias stretched out, and as of right now, we're looking at Tony as more of a relief option than as a starting option," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "We have to find a way to get out of the gates strong, and at this point in time, the feeling was that organizationally, Tony's better suited for us at the moment as a ."

Cingrani was visibly disappointed by the news. When asked how he felt about it, he said, "I don't know. Whatever. That's what they're telling me to do, so that's what I got to do.

"It's their call. It's not my call."

With the optioning of lefty David Holmberg to Triple-A Louisville, which also was announced Monday morning, the options behind No. 1 starter and No. 2 man Mike Leake -- with Homer Bailey still rehabbing and not expected back until mid-April -- have been whittled down to Iglesias, veterans Jason Marquis and Paul Maholm and righty Anthony DeSclafani.

And Price's comments in the wake of the Cingrani move seem to indicate that Marquis and Maholm are looking good for two of those three spots.

"The thing is, when we have veteran guys like Marquis and Maholm, you're not going to use them for one start," Price said. "If they're going to be on our team, the hope is that they're on our team for an entire season, if not longer. And that's how we have to look at that. … You can back-and-forth a young guy. You can start a game or two and then go down to the Minor Leagues or go to the bullpen and help us as a long guy. So Marquis and Maholm are looking more like long-term, start-to-finish options for us."

As for Cingrani, Prince wouldn't rule out a possible return to the rotation at some point. Cingrani made 29 starts for Cincinnati over the past two seasons, including 11 last season, but he has been hobbled with back, shoulder and hip injuries.

"It's possible," Price said. "We want to keep him strong and healthy, and we've had a hard time doing that the last two years. … So one of the things that we hope is that pitching out of the bullpen will allow him to be strong and remain strong, and then evaluate if we think it's a good idea to look at him as a starter in the future."

Larkin embraces helping Reds Minor Leaguers Hall of Famer arrives for stint as spring guest instructor By Doug Miller / MLB.com

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- If you weren't looking for a Hall of Famer roaming the Minor League fields at the Reds' Spring Training complex, you might not have noticed him at all behind sunglasses and with a pullover and a few days' growth of beard. He still looks like a player, after all.

But then you see the knowing fans flocking to him for photos. Then you see the slight swagger with which he walks.

Reds legend Barry Larkin was in camp Monday morning as a guest instructor on the Minor League side and will come back later this spring. He does it every few years, and he keeps his presence pretty low-key.

"It's about developing players' talents and a relationship with the organization," said Larkin, the former shortstop who was drafted by the Reds in 1985 as the fourth overall pick, played from 1986-2004, won a ring in 1990 and a MVP Award in 1995, and entered the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012.

"When I come here, I spend most of my time down here in the Minor Leagues, and it's about helping these guys, trying to give them something to help them get to the big leagues."

Larkin said he remembers being in Spring Training as a 22-year-old who was born and raised in Cincinnati and being around franchise icons from the championship teams of 1975 and 1976. He said it's only natural for him to be here now.

"I think it's important to have that relationship with the guys that went before you to really keep that lineage and that history of the organization," Larkin said. "Some of these players, they didn't even see me play. I was working with two kids yesterday, they're 20 years old. And I'm talking about things in 1990, and they weren't even born yet! So it's interesting.

"But the thing about it is that baseball hasn't changed and it won't change and there's still some things that have to happen in order to be successful. We can definitely relate on that level."

Rotation hopeful Holmberg among Reds cuts By Doug Miller / MLB.com

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The Reds trimmed their roster Monday morning, and one of the cuts made the competition for the starting rotation a bit clearer.

Left-hander David Holmberg, who made seven appearances (five starts) for the big league club last year, including three consecutive starts in September, was optioned to Triple-A Louisville along with righties Dylan Axelrod, Carlos Contreras, Daniel Corcino and lefty Ryan Dennick. Left-hander Amir Garrett was optioned to Daytona, and Ramon Cabrera, right- hander Jon Moscot and outfielder Felix Perez were reassigned to Minor League camp.

Holmberg was viewed as having a shot at one of three spots available in the rotation, which could be without rehabbing Homer Bailey until mid-April. And Holmberg pitched well in three appearances this spring, including a scoreless three-inning start against on March 9.

Now the candidates for those current openings (in addition to top two Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake) have apparently been whittled down to Jason Marquis, Anthony DeSclafani, Paul Maholm and Raisel Iglesias.

DAYTON DAILY NEWS Pete Rose applies for reinstatement — again By Dayton Daily News

Cincinnati Reds legend Pete Rose has submitted a request to be reinstated to baseball, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred told the Associated Press.

Rose, the career hits leader, was banned for life in 1989 after an investigation determined he bet on the Reds while managing the team.

Rose applied for reinstatement in 1997 and 2002 and met with then-Commissioner Bud Selig, who never ruled on the application, the AP said.

Manfred replaced Selig in January.

“I do have a formal request from Pete,” Manfred told the Associated Press on Monday. “What I intend to do is be in communication with his representatives, and we’ll talk about how we’ll handle it from a process perspective.”

CBSSPORTS.COM Reds OF Jay Bruce knocks second spring home run Monday By R.J. White / CBSSports.com

Reds outfielder Jay Bruce went 1 for 2 with a home run and three RBI in Monday's 10-4 win over the Giants in Cactus League action.

Bruce missed several games last week due to calf issues but was able to return Saturday, though he went 0 for 3 at the plate. He's 5 for 15 with two home runs in seven spring appearances thus far.

Reds move Tony Cingrani to the 'pen, will stretch out Raisel Iglesias By Igor Mello / CBSSports.com

Reds manager Bryan Price told reporters that Tony Cingrani will start the season in the bullpen, according to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Cingrani was scheduled to start a spring game on Monday, but was scratched in favor of Raisel Iglesias. The Reds will stretch Iglesias out to become a starter, per the Enquirer. Price indicated that Iglesias could take Homer Bailey's starts until he returns from injury, then return to the bullpen or the minors.

David Holmberg among nine Reds sent down to minors By Igor Mello / CBSSports.com

The Reds optioned Dylan Axelrod, Carlos Contreras, Daniel Corcino, Ryan Dennick, and David Holmberg to Triple-A Louisville. Amir Garrett was optioned to Class A Daytona, and Ramon Cabrera, Jon Moscot and Felix Perez were reassigned to minor league camp. 45 players remain active in big-league camp.

FOXSPORTSOHIO.COM New 'Stars of the Queen City' and 'Tony Perez' exhibits opening at Reds HOF By FOX Sports Ohio

CINCINNATI (March 16, 2015) -- The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum will debut two new exhibits for the 2015 season: Stars of the Queen City and Tony Perez.

On March 18, a media preview will begin at 6 p.m. and invitation-only ribbon cutting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

The exhibits will open to the public on March 19 at 10 a.m., and along with Kings of the Queen City, presented by Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, are the featured exhibitions at the Museum for 2015.

Stars of the Queen City

Celebrate Reds All-Star history with the new exhibit, Stars of the Queen City. Located on the museum's upper floor, the exhibit features period artifacts representing each of the 100 different players in Reds history that have been selected to represent Cincinnati at the MLB All-Star Game. From and Pete Rose to Frank Robinson and Devin Mesoraco, the artifacts date back to the first Midsummer Classic in 1933. The exhibit also includes interviews from current and former Reds All-Stars and video highlights of this select group. Also on display are items associated with the four All-Star Games played in Cincinnati from 1938, 1953, 1970 and 1990.

Tony Perez

The Tony Perez exhibit gives fans an up close and personal look at the playing career of the "Mayor of Riverfront." Complete with numerous artifacts from Perez' playing days, fans will get to see items used by the "Big Doggie" himself during his 23-year Hall of Fame career. Playing in parts of three decades, Perez was not only a fan favorite; he was an integral part of the success of the Big Red Machine. Fans can see items from all parts of his playing career as well as a video tribute to the Cuban-born . A visual timeline represents significant events in the life of Perez, from his birth to the present day. Fans will want to be at Great American Ball Park on August 22 for the dedication of a Tony Perez statue on Crosley Terrace.

The Reds Hall of Fame & Museum is located next to Great American Ball Park at 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202.

Plan your visit at www.redsmuseum.org or by calling (513) 765-7923.

About the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum:

Driven by a mission to celebrate greatness, preserve history and provide inspiration, the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum at Great American Ball Park is the place where the story of Reds baseball comes alive each day. The Museum features 15,000 square feet of historical, interactive and educational exhibits, highlighting the rich and storied tradition of the Reds for fans of all ages. Since its inception, 85 players, managers and executives have been honored with induction.

Reds move Cingrani to bullpen, Price says it's 'not a slap in the face' By Kevin Goheen / FOX Sports Ohio

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Tony Cingrani was a favorite to begin the season as one of the Reds' five starting at the outset of spring training. There were two spots in the rotation open and Cingrani's experience gave him a foot in the door ahead of other candidates.

Manager Bryan Price said on Monday that Cingrani will start the season in the bullpen. Cingrani had been scheduled to start Monday's game against San Francisco but was replaced by Raisel Iglesias.

"Just looking at our club and how we are the best," said Price. "We have a lot of challenges here. As much as there is opportunity here because there are two spots open in the rotation with the trades of (Alfredo) Simon and (Mat) Latos, we brought in a bunch of people we feel are worthy of competing for those jobs but we don't have the innings to give to everybody. We have to find a way to try to get out of the gates strong and at this point in time the feeling was organizationally that Tony is better suited for us at the moment as a relief pitcher."

Cingrani downplayed the move when asked following Monday morning's workout. Cingrani has never been one to say much but he acknowledged disappointment in not starting, simply shrugging his shoulders, saying "That's about it."

Cingrani, 25, has made 39 appearances for the Reds since getting his first call-up in September 2012. He's started 29 times, including 11 last season when he left camp firmly implanted in the rotation. He started the second game of the season and outdueled St. Louis' Michael Wacha in a game the Reds won 1-0 but soon began experiencing left shoulder tendinitis. After spending 16 days on the disabled list in May, he returned to start six games but was ineffective, going 0-5 with a 5.83 ERA until being moved to the bullpen. His season ended in June when he was demoted to Triple-A Louisville. He went on the Bats' DL without throwing a pitch.

He has made a pair of starts this spring, allowing one run on five hits with three and two walks in five innings. He hasn't had any injury issues. The issue the Reds are running into is competition.

Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake have established spots in the rotation. Homer Bailey, who is working his way back from surgery last September to repair a torn flexor tendon in his right forearm, will have a spot once he catches up to speed. He's expected to miss a portion of April, although no exact timetable has been set yet.

Iglesias, Anthony DeSclafani as well as veterans Jason Marquis and Paul Maholm are in the running for the open rotation spots. DeSclafani, acquired in the that sent Latos to Miami, is coming off four scoreless innings against Colorado on Saturday in which he gave up just two hits. Marquis and Maholm are non-roster invitees to camp. The club would have to clear room for either of them on the 40-man roster if they make the team.

If they clear space on the 40-man for anyone the expectation is that player will be with the club for the long haul and not just a couple of starts.

Iglesias pitched primarily as a reliever while playing in his native Cuba. The Reds have said since signing him last summer that they want him to be a starter. He's pitched in three games this spring, throwing five innings in relief. He's pitched two scoreless innings in each of his last two appearances, allowing three hits without walking anyone and striking out three batters.

Price said Iglesias' previous experience as a reliever would allow him the flexibility of pitching in either role.

Cingrani's role now is clear. The Reds are short when it comes to left-handed setup pitchers in front of closer Aroldis Chapman. Manny Parra is coming off an injury-plagued season, while Sean Marshall has been limited to just 31 appearances and 24 1/3 innings the last two seasons because of left shoulder injuries. The only other left-handed bullpen option at this point is Jose Mijares, another non-roster invitee.

"We're trying not to make it an issue. We're not going to make it an issue. We like Tony," said Price. "We think he's a major-league pitcher, and he certainly wouldn't be here if we didn't. So, it's not a slap in the face. Our job is to put together what we feel is our best 25-man roster to start the season and at this moment, we it with him potentially in our bullpen."

Price did not rule out Cingrani returning to being a starter in the future but Price said Cingrani's past injuries were a factor in the decision. They want him to be as healthy as possible. Right now the Reds will need him to fill a potentially vital role out of the bullpen. Cingrani went through Monday's workout without any hint of his role having changed. He got his running in as did other pitchers and ran through the infield situational drills the team worked on the same as everyone else.

"I just want to pitch," said Cingrani.

Reds cut roster to 45 with moves By Kevin Goheen / FOX Sports Ohio

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The Reds cut their spring training roster down to 45 players with a variety of moves on Monday.

Right-handed pitchers Dylan Axelrod, Carlos Contreras, Daniel Corcino, as well as lefthanders Ryan Dennick and David Holmberg were optioned to Triple-A Louisville, while left-handed pitcher Amir Garrett was optioned to Advanced A Daytona. Catcher Ramon Cabrera, right-handed pitcher Jon Moscot and outfielder Felix Perez were re-assigned to the minor league camp.

Alexrod, Corcino and Holmberg all made starts for the Reds last September, while Dennick and Contreras each pitched out of the bullpen. Holmberg, 23, made a pair of unimpressive mid-season spot starts last season but opened eyes in September when he made five appearances, including three starts. He replaced an injured Axelrod after one batter on Sept. 8 against St. Louis and produced 5 2/3 innings of scoreless pitching. He followed that up appearance with three straight quality starts, going 2-1 with a 2.50 ERA.

ASSOCIATED PRESS Boesch hits 1 of Reds' 4 homers in win over Giants By Gary Schatz / The Associated Press

GOODYEAR, Ariz. —

Brennan Boesch hit his third home run of the spring, connecting against Sergio Romo in the Cincinnati Reds' 10-4 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Monday.

Boesch, who signed with the Reds after playing in the minor leagues last season, is trying to win the job of fourth outfielder in Cincinnati.

"We hit four home runs but there were a lot of extra-base hits, which was excellent to see," manager Bryan Price said. "Suarez, smoked that 3-2 pitch down the left field line. Pena had a nice at-bat and hit the ball hard. Schumaker hit the ball twice, including that homer. It's just strange, especially coming off the last couple of games. Today we were feeling it and performed offensively."

Romo, who re-signed with the Giants after testing free agency, made his first appearance of the spring after he recovered from a sore shoulder

Romo threw just 11 pitches but was glad to be back on the mound.

"It was good to get some adrenaline pumping," Romo said. "I felt good but I'd like my to sink. He (Boesch) hit that a long way."

Rasiel Iglesias and Paul Maholm, who are in the mix for two openings in the Reds' rotation, started.

Iglesias pitched 2 2-3 hitless innings. Maholm gave up a two-run home run to Joaquin Arias.

"I thought Iglesias had really good stuff," Price said. "He was on or around the plate a good bit and that was good to see. Maholm was outstanding as well. He made some really good pitches. He made the mistake to Arias for the homer but beyond that I think that's the only mistake he made the entire time he was out there."

Jay Bruce and Skip Schumaker went deep against Kyle Crick with two-run homers. Former Giant prospect Chris Dominguez homered off Adalbeto Mejia.

TRAINERS ROOM

Giants: Tim Lincecum was removed from his last start on March 11 against Milwaukee with a stiff neck. L:incecum would have started against the Reds on Monday but was skipped. He is expected to return on the 21st.

Reds: Devin Mesoraco made his first start since sustaining a concussion on March 7. Price put him in the lineup as a on Monday to make up some at-bats. ... Brayan Pena took a foul ball off his leg. It should not keep him out of action.

UP NEXT

Giants: LHP Maddison Bumgarner, LHP Braulio Lara, LHP Jeremy Affeldt and RHP Santiago Casillia are pitching on Tuesday against RHP Josh Collmenter of the .

Reds: RHP Mike Leake will start against Corey Kluber of the Indians on Tuesday. LHP Aroldis Chapman, RHP Burke Badenhop and LHP Tony Cingrani will also pitch against Cleveland

STARTING TIME

Giants: Chris Stratton substituted for Lincecum for the Giants. He will probably end up in Triple-A but Giants manager Bruce Bochy was able to get an extra look at him.

"Stratton was good," Bochy said. "A popup dropped in on him so he had buzzard's luck but he threw the ball real well."

Stratton allowed two runs, one earned, in two innings. One run scored when Justin Maxwell lost Marlon Byrd's pop up in the sun.

Reds: Iglesias was told Monday morning that he was going to start instead of Cingrani, who will now work out of the bullpen. Maholm followed Iglesias and both are in the mix to win one of two permanent and a temporary starting job in the Reds' rotation.

"I feel really happy the coaching staff believes in me and gave me the opportunity to start," said Iglesias through a translator. "I have worked very hard to get to this point. I was actually able to throw all four of my pitches more today. I felt comfortable with Brayan Pena catching."

Iglesias threw 45 pitches in 2 2-3 hitless innings.

Reds will use left-hander Tony Cingrani out of bullpen By Gary Schatz / The Associated Press

GOODYEAR, Ariz. —

The Cincinnati Reds moved left-hander Tony Cingrani into the bullpen on Monday, leaving others to compete for three open spots in the rotation.

Cingrani is coming off shoulder problems last season and was considered a leading candidate to regain a starting role. Manager Bryan Price said on Monday that Cingrani will be used as a reliever for the rest of spring training.

"As of right now, we see Cingrani as more of a relief option rather than a starting option," Price said. "We're looking at our club and trying to figure out how we're the best. We brought a bunch of people in that are capable of competing for those jobs, but we don't have enough innings to give them."

Raisel Iglesias is considered a front-runner for one of the spots. The Cuban signed a $27 million, seven-year contract last year. Veterans Jason Marquis and Paul Maholm also are competing for spots.

Two spots opened when the Reds traded Mat Latos and Alfredo Simon during the offseason. Homer Bailey isn't expected to be ready until mid-April as he returns from forearm surgery, so the Reds need another option for early in the season.

Cingrani went 7-4 with a 2.92 ERA in 18 starts and five relief appearances in 2013. Last year, he was 2-8 with a 4.55 ERA in 11 starts and two relief appearances before a sore shoulder sidelined him.

He was visibly disappointed over the decision.

"It's not my call," he said. "They didn't even tell me what I'm really doing. I'm just going to the bullpen, so I have no idea."

Pete Rose submits application for reinstatement to Manfred By The Associated Press

GLENDALE, Ariz. —

Pete Rose has submitted a new request to be reinstated to baseball.

Rose agreed to the lifetime ban in August 1989 following an investigation for Major League Baseball by outside lawyer John Dowd that concluded the career hits leader bet on the Reds to win while managing the team. Rose applied for reinstatement in September 1997 and met in November 2002 with Commissioner Bud Selig, who never ruled on the application.

Rob Manfred succeeded Selig in January.

Manfred said after meeting with the Los Angeles Dodgers in spring training on Monday that he has a formal request from Rose.

"What I intend to do is be in communication with his representatives, and we'll talk about how we'll handle it from a process perspective," he said.

At the time of the Rose investigation, Manfred was an associate at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, a law firm that worked on labor law matters for MLB. He was not involved in the investigation.

"I want to make sure I understand all of the details in the Dowd Report and Commissioner Bart Giamatti's decision," Manfred said. "I want to hear what Pete has to say, and I'll make a decision."

Rose, who turns 74 next month, denied for 15 years that he bet on baseball. In his 2004 autobiography, "Pete Rose: My Prison Without Bars," he reversed his stand and acknowledged he bet on the Reds while managing the team.

Rose's lawyer, Ray Genco, said he and his client were declining comment other than to confirm the application had been submitted.

These days, Rose spends time is Las Vegas signing for money. That may not fit the lifestyle then Commissioner A. Bartlett Giamatti suggested when the ban agreement was announced.

"The burden is entirely on Mr. Rose to reconfigure his life in a way he deems appropriate," Giamatti said at the time the suspension was announced.

The Hall of Fame's board of directors voted in 1991 to bar anyone on the permanently ineligible list from the Baseball Writers' Association of America ballot. Since his last year of BBWAA ballot eligibility would have been 2006, the impact of reinstatement on his Hall chances is not clear.

TRANSACTIONS Date Transaction 03/16/15 placed LHP Cliff Lee on the 60-day disabled list. Left forearm strain LF Sean Halton assigned to . SS Sharlon Schoop assigned to Baltimore Orioles. LHP Chris Lee assigned to . C Jobduan Morales assigned to Houston Astros. LF Leo Heras assigned to Houston Astros. OF Teoscar Hernandez assigned to Houston Astros. OF Jeff Gelalich assigned to Cincinnati Reds. OF Sebastian Elizalde assigned to Cincinnati Reds. LHP Donnie Hart assigned to Baltimore Orioles. RHP Pedro Beato assigned to Baltimore Orioles. RHP Elih Villanueva assigned to Baltimore Orioles. C Tyler Alamo assigned to . SS Elliot Soto assigned to Chicago Cubs. RHP Luis De La Cruz assigned to . RHP J.B. Wendelken assigned to . 2B Juan Perez assigned to Cincinnati Reds. C Julio Morillo assigned to Cincinnati Reds. OF Junior Felix Arias assigned to Cincinnati Reds. OF Michael Conforto assigned to . IF T.J. Rivera assigned to New York Mets. C Jonah Heim assigned to Baltimore Orioles. Braves optioned Tyrell Jenkins to . optioned Jose Peraza to Gwinnett Braves. San Diego Padres optioned Tayron Guerrero to San Antonio Missions. Philadelphia Phillies optioned to IronPigs. Philadelphia Phillies optioned to . Philadelphia Phillies optioned to Reading Fightin Phils. optioned Ryan Brett to Durham Bulls. optioned Lester Oliveros to . Los Angeles Dodgers optioned Mike Bolsinger to . Los Angeles Dodgers optioned Carlos Frias to Oklahoma City Dodgers. Los Angeles Dodgers optioned to Oklahoma City Dodgers. Los Angeles Dodgers optioned Joe Wieland to Oklahoma City Dodgers. Los Angeles Dodgers optioned Austin Barnes to Oklahoma City Dodgers. Los Angeles Dodgers optioned LHP to Oklahoma City Dodgers. Philadelphia Phillies optioned to Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Minnesota Twins optioned Miguel Sano to . Minnesota Twins optioned Jason Wheeler to Rochester Red Wings. Atlanta Braves optioned Mauricio Cabrera to . Atlanta Braves optioned Yean Carlos Gil to Carolina Mudcats. Cincinnati Reds optioned Ryan Dennick to . Cincinnati Reds optioned Daniel Corcino to Louisville Bats. Cincinnati Reds optioned David Holmberg to Louisville Bats. Cincinnati Reds optioned Dylan Axelrod to Louisville Bats. Cincinnati Reds optioned Carlos Contreras to Louisville Bats. Cincinnati Reds optioned Amir Garrett to . Houston Astros optioned Vincent Velasquez to Fresno Grizzlies. Houston Astros optioned Michael Feliz to Fresno Grizzlies. Houston Astros optioned Ronald Torreyes to Fresno Grizzlies. optioned Rangel Ravelo to . Oakland Athletics optioned Renato Nunez to Midland RockHounds. optioned Mike Strong to . Nationals optioned Brian Goodwin to Syracuse Chiefs. optioned Sammy Solis to . Washington Nationals optioned Felipe Rivero to Harrisburg Senators. Chicago Cubs optioned Christian Villanueva to Iowa Cubs. Chicago Cubs optioned Rafael Lopez to Iowa Cubs. optioned Ryan Tepera to . Tampa Bay Rays optioned Justin O'Conner to Durham Bulls. optioned Tyler Anderson to Albuquerque Isotopes. optioned Jeremy McBryde to Salt Lake Bees. Los Angeles Angels optioned Danny Reynolds to Arkansas Travelers. optioned Mayckol Guaipe to . Baltimore Orioles optioned Christian Walker to Norfolk Tides. Tampa Bay Rays optioned Grayson Garvin to Durham Bulls. Toronto Blue Jays optioned Matt Hague to Buffalo Bisons. Baltimore Orioles optioned Dylan Bundy to . Arizona Diamondbacks optioned Kevin Munson to Reno Aces. San Diego Padres optioned Taylor Lindsey to El Paso Chihuahuas. Baltimore Orioles released LHP Mark Hendrickson.