Press Clippings February 17, 2017

THIS DAY IN REDS HISTORY 1909-The no longer allows umpires to fine players and begin to require relief to retire at least one batter before being relieved.

MLB.COM Seasoned Votto embracing new wave of players By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com | @m_sheldon | February 16th, 2017 + 59 COMMENTS

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- A former National League Most Valuable Player, one of the game's best hitters and at 33 years old, Reds first baseman is also one of the club's longest-tenured players. Votto realizes that might prompt a fleet of younger, newer teammates to feel like they need to give him deferential treatment.

Votto doesn't want that, however.

"That can be a bit uncomfortable, because I'd just like to fit in," said Votto on Thursday, the report day for Reds position players at . "But that passes quickly. It happens at the initial meeting and goes away. Some take the opposite spectrum and go, 'Pfff, who cares about this guy?' That's great, too."

Spring Training 2017 has the rebuilding Reds missing the presence of and Brandon Phillips after both were traded.

Votto misses the teammates who have come and gone over the years, but is embracing the new wave of players.

"It can be odd sometimes looking around the clubhouse and seeing certain players I used to play with not around," Votto said. "But I'm really excited about the next group. I'm excited to share future winning with them."

Following a notoriously slow start to 2016, Votto finished with a .326/.434/.550 slashline, 29 home runs, 34 doubles and 97 RBIs. He led the NL in on-base percentage, and was second in OPS and walks.

The slow start -- he was batting .213 on June 1 -- and a decline in his defensive play left Votto hungry to improve his overall game over the winter. But he also realized he needed to pump the brakes a little bit first.

"Last offseason, I was bordering on getting burned out, so I needed to take some time off," Votto said. "I didn't train anywhere like I normally would. But I felt different this year. I felt excited to get back into working on a consistent basis. I enjoy work. But it was a weird point in my career where I felt like I had been doing the same thing every single year. I just needed a breather, and I didn't feel that this past offseason. I was excited to get into the work and do what I can to be able to come into camp and compete with my teammates and improve the quality of every aspect of our game."

Votto has never been a vocal leader in the clubhouse and didn't plan to increase his voice this season. Last season, however, he did make quieter contributions, such as helping Billy Hamilton with his hitting before games.

Leading by example is more Votto's style.

"I think just doing my job and coming out to work every day and putting in an effort on things that keep me on the field, that's what players feed off of when it comes to other people's actions," Votto said. "I found the same thing with playing with Scott [Rolen], and playing with Brandon. I learned from their actions. I think that's something I will be able to do here."

Cozart optimistic despite playing in limbo By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com | @m_sheldon | February 16th, 2017 + 7 COMMENTS

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Reds shortstop Zack Cozart knows from the first day of camp in 2017, he is in the same unsettled situation former right fielder Jay Bruce was in during 2016. Cozart, who can be a free agent after this season, could be traded at any time by his rebuilding club.

"I didn't know what to expect this offseason, whether I was going to get traded or not," Cozart said on Thursday as Reds position players reported to Spring Training. "It just so happens that the shortstop market is not that great right now. I'm glad to be back with the Reds. I want to win with the Reds. I've won here before. I've been on teams that won. It's fun. I want these young guys to feel that."

Playing in limbo isn't easy, as Cozart observed, and there was a trade in place for Bruce to go to the Blue Jays when camp opened a year ago before it fell through. There was also a rumor later that Bruce might go to Baltimore.

The drama finally ended Aug. 1 when Bruce was dealt to the Mets for two players, including infielder Dilson Herrera.

"I wouldn't be shocked if stuff like that came up with me during Spring Training," said Cozart, who avoided arbitration by signing a one-year, $5.325 million contract Jan. 13. "I try to block it out as much as possible. I just want to get out there and play."

Reds manager Bryan Price praised Cozart's professionalism throughout the ordeal of uncertainty. He's also counting on him greatly for as long as he's on the team.

"He's awesome, because he's a team player," Price said. "He's all about winning; he's tough. He plays the game the right way. He's a student of the game. He's really a necessary piece. We're really trying to make some significant leaps this year, and I think it's hard to do that without a semblance of experience, leadership and performers."

Cozart, 31, rebounded nicely last season from a catastrophic right knee injury that required reconstructive surgery in June 2015. In 121 games, he batted .252/.308/.425 with 50 RBIs and a career-high 16 home runs. He did not play a game after Sept. 10, because of tendinitis in the same knee.

This season, Cozart will be playing without the bulky knee brace he had to wear all of last year.

"The knee is 100 percent," he said. "It's the first time since my surgery that I can just say, 'I'm good.' I didn't say it a lot last year, but there wasn't a day that I felt good during the season."

Brandon Phillips was traded to the Braves on Sunday, meaning Cozart's new double-play partner at second base will be Jose Peraza. Cozart looked forward to teaming with Peraza, who has a locker just a couple of stalls away.

Earlier this week, Peraza noted he would eventually like to play his natural position, which happens to be Cozart's. It did not feel awkward for Cozart, however.

"I know he wants to play shortstop, but he'll have to wait a little while for that," Cozart said. "I know what I can bring to the team. Everyone here has seen me play and knows what I can bring. That's all that matters. I hope that I'm still with the Reds on the next winner and that's hopefully this year."

Mark Sheldon has covered the Reds for MLB.com since 2006, and previously covered the Twins from 2001-05. Follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon and Facebook and listen to his podcast. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League or its clubs.

CINCINNATI ENQUIRER Reds' ticket theme packages offer bobbleheads, FC Cincinnati scarf Dave Clark , [email protected] 10:05 a.m. ET Feb. 17, 2017

The Cincinnati Reds are offering special items only available with the purchase of ticket theme packages for the 2017 season, including bobbleheads, a 1975 World Series replica ring, a commemorative Oktoberfest mug, a Grateful Dead Terrapin figurine and an FC Cincinnati and Reds scarf.

Featured promotional items are not gate giveaways and only offered while supplies last. The packages are on sale now at reds.com.

More from the Reds (with more photos below):

All promotional items listed below are only available with the purchase of a Theme Ticket Package, while supplies last.

FC Cincinnati Ticket Package April 14-16 vs. Rise together and show your Cincinnati Pride! This ticket package includes a limited edition FC Cincinnati & Reds scarf and a 2017 FCC Game Ticket voucher plus a Reds ticket for your choice of games during the April 14-16 weekend. Packages start at $20: reds.com/FCC

MARVEL Super Hero 1 Ticket Package April 21-23 vs. To celebrate MARVEL Comics, this package includes an exclusive Guardians of the Galaxy Rocket Raccoon bobblehead plus your ticket to your choice of games during the April 21-23 weekend. Packages start at $30: reds.com/Marvel

STAR WARS™ Ticket Package May 5-6 vs. May the Force be with you as we celebrate STAR WARS Weekend at the ballpark! This package includes an exclusive Stormtrooper bobblehead plus your ticket to your choice of games May 5 or 6. Packages start at $30: reds.com/StarWars

Grateful Dead Ticket Package Friday, May 19 vs. Colorado Rockies (7:10 p.m.) Dead Heads, unite! Be a part of Grateful Dead Night at the ballpark on Friday, May 19. This package includes an exclusive Grateful Dead Terrapin figurine plus your ticket to the Friday, May 19 game. And don’t miss the post-game fireworks show set to a Grateful Dead soundtrack! Packages start at $25: reds.com/GratefulDead

MARVEL Super Hero 2 Ticket Package June 2-4 vs. To celebrate MARVEL Comics, this package includes an exclusive Iron Man bobblehead plus your ticket to your choice of games during the June 2-4 weekend. Packages start at $30: reds.com/Marvel

Margaritaville® Ticket Package Friday, July 14 vs. Washington Nationals (7:10 p.m.) Fins Up, Cincinnati! Escape to Margaritaville® Night at the ballpark on Friday, July 14. This package includes an exclusive Margaritaville® parrot bobblehead plus your ticket to the Friday, July 14 game. And don’t miss the post-game fireworks show set to a Margaritaville soundtrack! Packages start at $25: reds.com/Margaritaville

PEANUTS™ Ticket Package July 21-23 vs. Miami Marlins To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the PEANUTS™ musical “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown,” this package includes an exclusive Charlie Brown™ bobblehead plus your ticket to your choice of games during the July 21-23 weekend. Packages start at $25: reds.com/Peanuts

ELVIS™ Ticket Package August 4-5 vs. St. Louis Cardinals Salute the “King of Rock & Roll” with this package that includes an exclusive ELVIS™ bobblehead plus your ticket to your choice of games August 4 or 5. Packages start at $30: reds.com/Elvis

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Ticket Package September 15-17 vs. The Reds and Oktoberfest Zinzinnati have joined forces to provide fans a “Reds & Oktoberfest” ticket package for the games Sept. 15-17 at Great American Ball Park. Packages include a Reds ticket, commemorative Oktoberfest mug, first beer at the Reds game and first beer at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. Packages start at $20: reds.com/Oktoberfest

1975 Replica Ring Ticket Package September 22-24 vs. Boston Red Sox To celebrate the Reds’ 1975 World Series championship over the Red Sox, this package includes an exclusive 1975 World Series replica ring plus your ticket to your choice of games during the September 22-24 weekend. Packages start at $25: reds.com/1975

For more information and updates on Reds Theme Ticket Packages, visit Reds.com/Themes.

For any questions regarding Theme Ticket Packages, please contact the Reds Ticketing Dept. at 513-765-7400.

Joey Votto reports to camp as elder statesman on young team Zach Buchanan , [email protected] Published 4:39 p.m. ET Feb. 16, 2017 | Updated 15 hours ago

GOODYEAR, Ariz. – Joey Votto was burned out following the 2015 season. The Reds had entered that campaign expecting to contend for a playoff spot, but crashed to a pitiful 64-98 record. That offseason, they fully committed to a rebuild, while Votto fully committed to a mental break.

The Reds were nearly as bad in 2016 – they improved by just four games – but Votto began his winter with much more enthusiasm about what’s to come. He sees things getting better.

“I enjoy work,” Votto said. “But it was a weird point in my career where I felt like I had been doing the same thing every single year. I just needed a breather, and I didn’t feel that this past offseason.”

The 33-year-old reported to camp Thursday to a familiar building filled with fewer and fewer familiar faces. Old hand Bronson Arroyo may be back, but his longtime infield-mate Brandon Phillips is gone. Shortstop Zack Cozart is a Red-For-Now, a candidate to be traded at any moment.

Last spring’s clubhouse at least bore some resemblance to the Reds of the early 2010s, but the 2017 version does not. With the departures of Phillips, Jay Bruce, Todd Frazier, Mike Leake, Aroldis Chapman and Johnny Cueto in the last year-plus, Votto is one of the few current Reds signed to big-money deals with a chance to finish his contract in Cincinnati.

For the first baseman, it’s bittersweet.

“You get saddened,” he said. “You miss the guys. It can be odd sometimes looking around the clubhouse and seeing certain player I used to play with not around. But I’m really excited about the next group. I excited to share future winning with them.”

Votto’s performance on the field can pretty much be assumed at this point, despite the fact that the Canadian calendar flips just as quickly as the American one. Despite slow starts the past two seasons, he wound up hitting for a combined line of .320/.447/.546. He twice finished in the top 10 of voting for the National League’s Most Valuable Player.

If anything’s different, it’s how he gets treated. He is now the oldest position player on the 40-man roster, and by far the most accomplished. The role of revered and feared veteran is an irksome one for him.

“That can be a bit uncomfortable because I’d just like to fit in,” he said. “But that passes quickly. It happens at the initial meeting and goes away. Some take the opposite spectrum and go, ‘Pfff, who cares about this guy?’ That’s great too.”

Zack Cozart comfortable with Reds amidst trade talk C. Trent Rosecrans , [email protected] Published 4:38 p.m. ET Feb. 16, 2017 | Updated 15 hours ago

GOODYEAR, Ariz. – Nearly a year ago, Jay Bruce stood at one end of the Reds’ spring training clubhouse surprised he was still with the Reds and unsure if he’d be in Cincinnati on Opening Day.

Zack Cozart reported to Reds camp Thursday if not in nearly the exact same spot – the only difference may have been the distance of nearly home plate to the ’s mound encompassing a row of lockers from Cozart’s No. 2 at one end to the spot at the end where Bruce’s No. 32 used to hang.

Bruce was eventually traded to the Mets on Aug. 1, but not without wondering nearly every day between reporting to camp in February until that day whether it was his last day putting on a Reds uniform.

Cozart, who will be a free agent at the end of this season, was watching last year, noting how his friend handled the situation and went about his business to be the best he could be for whatever team he’d play with. At 31, Cozart knows the score – he’s a Red until another team needs a shortstop and comes calling.

“There’s just so many rumors. No matter how much you want to stay away from it, you’re still going to hear from my dad or whoever,” Cozart said. “It’s weird. You have family to think about. You obviously don’t know where you’re going or if you’re going. You’re in limbo. Am I going to stay? Am I going to go? That’s the tough part about it. That’s part of the business when you get this point and you’re close to free agency and you don’t have a deal. The value is little higher.”

Even with trade rumors surrounding not just him, but also his long-time double-play partner Brandon Phillips, Cozart said he was a little surprised when he heard that he’d no longer be playing alongside Phillips.

“It’s a little weird not having him right here for sure,” said Cozart, whose spring training locker was always close to Phillips’ based on their jersey numbers, 2 and 4. “And it’s going to be weird not having him out there at second base. That’s all I’ve really known.”

Of Cozart’s 592 career starts at shortstop in his big-league career, 506 came with Phillips starting alongside him.

As it stands, Phillips’ replacement is the guy that replaced Cozart over the final month of the season at shortstop, Jose Peraza. Peraza has said he’d like to play shortstop, but that’s not going to happen while Cozart is still with the team.

Peraza could well be the Reds’ shortstop of the future, but Reds manager Bryan Price said that as long as Cozart is with the team, he’s the shortstop – full time.

Notes: Reds again easing in Devin Mesoraco Zach Buchanan , [email protected] Published 1:22 p.m. ET Feb. 16, 2017 | Updated 17 hours ago

GOODYEAR, Ariz. – Much like they did last year, the Cincinnati Reds will take it easy on catcher Devin Mesoraco in the early goings of spring training. The 28-year-old is coming off hip and shoulder surgeries that truncated his 2016 season.

Manager Bryan Price wasn’t sure when Mesoraco would see game action, but said the plan will be similar to last year’s. Last spring, Mesoraco didn’t debut in Cactus League action until the middle of March.

“We’ll have him do the same thing with an eye on the fact that it’s a longer spring training,” Price said. “He’ll have adequate time to be ready if his body by Opening Day.”

Mesoraco has caught a bullpen each of the first two days of pitcher and catcher workouts, although there were no bullpen sessions to catch Thursday. He’s also done some hitting work, including taking batting practice on the field.

The difference for Mesoraco this time is he’s recovering from two procedures instead of one. He had his hip labrum repaired heading into 2016 spring training, but now has had labrums fixed in both his shoulder and other hip.

“It’s until he performs each drill that we know how he’s going to respond the next day,” Price said.

Not unimpressed

Every pitcher in camp has thrown at least one bullpen session in front of Price, and the manager said he “can’t say I’ve been unimpressed.” He rattled off several names that had caught his eye, including Ariel Hernandez, Luis Castillo and Tyler Mahle.

He was particularly impressed with left-hander Wandy Peralta, a reliever who struggled in a September call-up last year.

“I told him yesterday that’s the best I’ve seen him throw since he’s been with us,” Price said.

Another pitcher, waiver claim Lisalverto Bonilla, caught the eye of catcher Tucker Barnhart during a bullpen session Wednesday. Barnhart liked Bonilla’s command and two breaking balls and said Bonilla had a decent change-up. Bonilla is in the mix for a rotation spot.

Price also got his first look at Cuban right-hander Vladimir Gutierrez, although it’ll be a little bit before Gutierrez is at full strength. He was quarantined for a week with chicken pox and is working on building himself back up.

WCPO - Channel 9 Reds broadcaster Marty Brennaman talks about the upcoming Reds season with podcast host Andy Furman By: WCPO Staff Posted: 6:00 AM, Feb 17, 2017

The Hall of Famer Marty Brennaman talked Reds baseball with host Andy Furman on The Andy Furman Podcast.

Brennaman and Furman talked about the Brandon Phillips trade, Jose Peraza, Dilson Herrera and more.

Furman wondered how the Reds can say they are rebuilding while at the same time signing 40-year-old Bronson Arroyo.

"There’s a big time mutual admiration society that exists between Arroyo and this team," Brennaman said. "Bronson can be the kind of guy that can help a young pitching staff whether he’s in the bullpen or the rotation."

Furman asked Brennaman about Scott Schebler having the right field starting spot. Brennaman at first said the job was Schebler's, but then he brought up top outfield prospect Jesse Winker.

"We've been talking about Jesse Winker since Abner Doubleday invented the game," Brennaman joked. "If there are questions in the outfield, you would have to apply them to both of the corner spots because Winker is waiting in the wings." So how many wins will the Reds have?

You'll have to listen to the podcast to find out what the Hall of Famer predicts.

Joey Votto talks 'emotional experience' of welcoming new teammates, saying goodbye to old By: John Fay Posted: 4:24 PM, Feb 16, 2017, Updated: 4:46 PM, Feb 16, 2017

GOODYEAR, ;Arizona -- Joey Votto's been in Arizona for a week or so. But he made his official arrival at camp Thursday.

He's been paying attention to what the Reds have been doing. He was asked about the all the new faces. At one point, he interrupted a question to say:

"Then there is the zombie that is Bronson (Arroyo) coming back at 40."

"John, didn't you Tweet that if Bronson hits 84 he make the team?"

Me: "Yeah."

Him: "I have never seen a Tweet like that before."

Me: "I thought you weren't on Twitter?"

Him: "Someone forwarded it me. They thought it was hilarious. That's the caveat: If he hits 84."

Votto, 31, begins his 10th season as a Red. With the trade of Brandon Phillips, Votto is most tenured Red. He's coming off another outstanding year at the plate. He hit .326 with 29 home runs and 97 RBI, despite a horrendous start. He finished seventh in National League MVP vote. He blamed his defensive inconsistencies for that.

Votto sat down with the gathered media Thursday. He was his usual thoughtful, articulate self and didn't give the pat answers most players crank out. Here's the partial transcript:

On all the new players: Wow, it's been a big transition. It seems like a lot of the guys I grew up playing ball with here in Cincinnati are gone. And it's happened slowly. Brandon just getting traded, that's almost like one of the final steps. These guys were a big part of my life. Seeing them play in different uniforms is quite a difference experience for me.

Facing the hard truth of baseball: I enjoyed the time I have with the guys I played with. That's really all I can do. I certainly got attached to the guys who got traded. There's definitely a transition. There's an emotional experience too. You get saddened. You miss the guys. It can be odd sometimes looking around the clubhouse and seeing certain players I used to play with not around. But I'm really excited about the next group. I'm excited to share future winning with them.

On his offseason: Last offseason, I was bordering on getting burned out, so I needed to take some time off. I didn't train anywhere like I normally would. But I felt different this year. I felt excited to get back into working on a consistent basis. I enjoy work. But it was a weird point in my career where I felt like I had been doing the same thing every single year. I just needed a breather, and I didn't feel that this past offseason.

On his slow start: I don't know. There's been years where I've started off really, really well and years were I've started off poorly. It's just one of those things. There are some things I feel like I could have been on top of that were probably impacting my starts. That's experience. I've learned from it. I feel like I'll make that adjustment this year.

Can you diagnose your own problems? I think so. But the game is ever-changing. You always feel different. There are new challenges, new competitions.

Encouraged by the second half: I'd like to see guys find themselves and watching Tucker (Barnhart), watching Eugenio (Suarez), watching (Jose) Peraza, watching some of the younger pitchers, seeing (Zack) Cozart healthy, I think that those are the sort of things -- watching Billy Hamilton improve, (Scott) Schebler and (Adam) Duvall as an All-Star, this is exciting for me to watch all these guys get better and to try to keep up with them and compete with them.

Do you like the prospect of hitting behind Hamilton and Peraza? I don't care. It can be challenging hitting behind guys that run a lot. That can be a challenge but it's not something that's necessarily new to me. Billy is aggressive. There are goods and bads to everything.

On rebuilding: I think if you're honest, I think it's important to have an attitude moving up in the division, in the league. We're rebuilding, I think it's appropriate. I think that guys in the clubhouse would welcome it because they are part of the process. The younger players that are trying to establish themselves, they welcome that word because they are saying to themselves ‘shoot, this is our team. We're the future. We're going to be that team competing for the World Series one day.' That's the attitude I think should be embraced. Sometimes you've got to take a couple of steps back to move forward. I think that's what is happening right now.

On people judging his numbers: I think it's important that there's commentary on that. To play at a high level... I don't mind being checked. Where people hold me, I'm way above that where I perceive myself and my goals and what my objectives are. I haven't felt much of the criticism. I don't really hear it. I don't feel it or hear it. Some of the stuff can be so silly, some of the comments. Then you just categorize them as a group of people that just don't know what they're talking about.

On improving his defense: I'm excited to play with the group of infielders that we have now. I've always felt like that guys I've played with in the past, that I've been able to learn and be challenged and be part of that unit. I feel the same way about this group right now -- athletic guys that are wanting to learn and get better and be on the field on a consistent basis.

Could the Reds be a sleeping giant? I don't know. There are too many variables for me to say. It all depends on, especially some of the players that don't have a track record, how they perform. I don't know but I'm excited to see guys go past their projections and past what people think their capacity is.

On being an MVP candidate: I think you can't be in that conversation if you do one attribute, or just part of one aspect of the game - - save for elite pitchers. I think it's important to have a good balance of all the attributes and be competitive in that.

Smarter media good for you? I probably would have been far more embraced 50-75 years ago to be honest with you because I've had a steady batting average. That would have been a major marker and people would have pointed to that and said ‘oh look how well he's playing.'

John Fay is a freelance sports columnist; this column represents his opinion. Contact him at [email protected].

Reds manager Bryan Price has been impressed with a number of his pitchers in the first days of camp By: John Fay Posted: 3:38 PM, Feb 16, 2017, Updated: 3:40 PM, Feb 16, 2017

GOODYEAR, Arizona -- Reds manager Bryan Price has seen all 33 healthy pitchers in camp throw a bullpen.

Who stands out?

“So many,” Price said. “You saw those groups yesterday and that was a lot of our younger, less experienced pitchers.”

He mentioned Ariel Hernandez, Luis Castillo and Vladimir Gutierrez, Wandy Peralta and Tyler Mahle.

“I told Peralta yesterday that’s the best I’ve seen him throw since he’s been with us," Price said. “Tyler Mahle was very impressive yesterday. You go down the line and I can’t say I’ve been unimpressed.

“But there’s so much optimism in spring. What I really look forward to is to see how these guys compete. Many of them know they are probably not going to make the club, but they want to leave a good impression on the field staff and front office. I’m looking forward to that."

MESORACO PLAN: Catcher Devin Mesoraco will be held back, although Price doesn’t have a firm idea of when Mesoraco will play in games.

“I can’t say exactly when he’s going to play,” Price said. “We’re not that far into it. I guess because we’re starting on (Feb. 24). I can’t say if he’ll be playing by then or not. I just know his workload is going to be a lot less right now than the other catchers that we have in camp -- for no other reason than we have the time. We’re going to take the time, as we did last year.”

Bryan Price wants Zack Cozart to be a Cincinnati Red Shortstop in final year of contract By: John Fay Posted: 2:16 PM, Feb 16, 2017

GOODYEAR, Arizona -- Reds manager Bryan Price won’t get the final vote, but he made it clear he wants Zack Cozart to be part of the 2017 Reds. Cozart is in the last year of his contract, so his name is often mentioned as a trade possibility.

“He’s really a necessary piece,” Price said. “We’re really trying to make some significant leaps this year, and I think it’s hard to do that without a semblance of experience, leadership and performers. For him, if he’s swinging the bat well or he’s scuffling a bit offensively, defensively he always shows up. Leadership, professionalism, that’s what we need, and it’s a great role model for some of these younger kids that are in camp.”

Cozart reported to camp Thursday and reiterated he wants to be a Red -- for this year and beyond.

“When you get to this point in your career, you really don’t know what to expect with trades and stuff,” Cozart said. “I’m a year away from free agency and the direction the team wanted to go, myself, Brandon (Phillips) and Jay (Bruce), we knew that's the way it’s going to be.

“I didn’t know what to expect this offseason, whether I was going to get traded or not. It just so happens that the shortstop market is not that great right now. I’m glad to be back with the Reds. I want to win with the Reds.”

This is Cozart, 31, in his seventh year as a Red. He is fourth on the team in service. “That’s insane,” he said.

Cozart will have a new double-play partner for the first time in his career. Phillips, of course, was traded just before camp opened.

“Honestly, I was surprised,” Cozart said. “When you get close to spring training, you don’t hear much about big trades. Like I said, we knew we’d be involved in trade rumors, maybe get traded. Once you get close to spring, you think you’re going to show up and start the season.

“So I was surprised. It’s a little weird not having (Phillips) right here, for sure. And it’s going to be weird not having him out there at second base. That’s all I’ve really known.”

Cozart appreciated what Phillips did for him.

“He was good for me when I first came up because he never judged me,” Cozart said. “We just went out and worked. We tried to get that chemistry going. It worked pretty well out there on the field. I’m happy for him that he’s back home in Atlanta.”

Cozart knows that his days with the Reds could be numbered. He saw what Bruce went through last year before being traded at the deadline on July 31.

“I learned how hard it is,” he said. “There’s just so many rumors. No matter how much you want to stay away from it, you’re still going to hear from my dad or whoever. It’s weird. You have family to think about. You obviously don’t know where you’re going or if you’re going.”

Cozart reported to camp much healthier than he was last year. Last year, he was coming back from major knee surgery.

“The knee is 100 percent,” he said. “It’s the first time since my surgery that I can just say ‘I’m good.’ I didn’t say it a lot last year but there wasn’t a day that I felt good during the season. I had issues with my knee every day.”

Again, Price thinks a mix of veterans with those young players is key.

“He’s awesome, because he’s a team player,” Price said. “He’s all about winning, he’s tough, he plays the game the right way, he’s a student of the game.. Leadership, professionalism, that’s what we need, and it’s a great role model for some of these younger kids that are in camp.

“It's a lot harder to do with a team that's almost comprised of players with three years of experience or less,” Price said. “In particular, in the middle infield, there's so much to know, so much responsibility, especially at shortstop.”

DAYTON DAILY NEWS Elvis, Star Wars, Marvel, among 2017 Reds ticket package themes Marcus Hartman, Staff Writer 5:06 p.m Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017

After letting people swing for their seats and collect team hat made in the colors of their favorite college last year, the Cincinnati Reds marketing department looks like it is on its game again.

This year the team is offering special “theme ticket packages” based on Star Wars, Marvel Comics super heroes, the Grateful Dead, Peanuts, FC Cincinnati, Jimmy Buffet, Oktoberfest and even Elvis.

There is also a weekend late in the season devoted to the 1975 World Series winners.

Packages start at $29 and depending on the weekend include scarves, Rocket Raccoon bobbleheads, Stormtrooper bobbleheads, Ironman bobbleheads and more.

Reds manager Bryan Price: ‘I expect us to be a really strong ballclub’ Mike Hartsock WHIO TV 12:28 p.m Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017

GOODYEAR, Ariz. - It is all present and accounted for at Reds camp in Goodyear, Ariz. on Thursday morning. It’s day No. 3 on the field for pitchers and catchers while the rest of the squad go through physicals this morning. The first full-squad workout is set for Friday morning.

Three things you need to know for today:

1. “I expect for us to be a really strong ballclub this year.” That from Bryan Price, who sat down with TV reporters today. The Reds manager says it time to stop making excuses for what he called a young team with talent and it’s time to have a higher expectation for the 2017 team.

2. General Manager Dick Williams says he’s always open to talk about a trade, but said this morning he thinks the big moves, for the most part, are done. “The first couple of weeks are usually quiet for most teams,” he said. “But then you start to see what your talent level is and what your needs might be. The last couple of weeks of the spring is when things can start to pick up again.”

3. It might be difficult to get spring workouts off to a fast start this week. After several sunny days for pitchers and catchers, rain is in the forecast for both Saturday and Sunday.

TRANSACTIONS 02/16/17 St. Louis Cardinals invited non-roster RHP Jack Flaherty to spring training. changed number to 51. signed free agent RHP Mat Latos to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training. Blaine Hardy changed number to 36. Toronto Blue Jays invited non-roster LHP Chad Girodo to spring training. New York Yankees designated LHP for assignment. New York Yankees signed free agent 1B Chris Carter. St. Louis Cardinals invited non-roster LHP to spring training. St. Louis Cardinals invited non-roster RHP Robby Rowland to spring training. St. Louis Cardinals invited non-roster RHP Arturo Reyes to spring training. St. Louis Cardinals invited non-roster RHP Daniel Poncedeleon to spring training. St. Louis Cardinals invited non-roster RHP Trey Nielsen to spring training. St. Louis Cardinals invited non-roster RHP Josh Lucas to spring training. St. Louis Cardinals invited non-roster LHP Corey Littrell to spring training. St. Louis Cardinals invited non-roster LHP Austin Gomber to spring training. Chris Stratton changed number to 34. St. Louis Cardinals invited non-roster RHP to spring training. St. Louis Cardinals invited non-roster RHP Sandy Alcantara to spring training. St. Louis Cardinals invited non-roster C Dennis Ortega to spring training. St. Louis Cardinals invited non-roster C Jeremy Martinez to spring training. St. Louis Cardinals invited non-roster C Andrew Knizner to spring training. St. Louis Cardinals invited non-roster OF Harrison Bader to spring training. St. Louis Cardinals invited non-roster 3B Patrick Wisdom to spring training. St. Louis Cardinals invited non-roster 3B Paul DeJong to spring training. signed free agent 1B Mike Napoli. Jason Hursh changed number to 61. Mauricio Cabrera changed number to 56. Jose Ramirez changed number to 52. changed number to 45. Rio Ruiz changed number to 14.