MLB.COM

Reds expect new leading man Choo to star in Cincy March 26, 2013, 10:00 A.M ET

By Mark Sheldon

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Shin-Soo Choo is pleasant, thoughtful and polite, but his mere presence at the top of Reds' lineup is the club's not-so-subtle way of sending a warning to all foes.

Cincinnati doesn't just want to repeat as National League Central champion, it expects to win the World Series -- this season.

"I think that's pretty much what they're saying," Reds third baseman Todd Frazier agreed.

Despite knowing full well that he was eligible to become a free agent after this season, the Reds did not blink when acquiring Choo from the Indians. It meant dealing away center fielder and promising shortstop prospect Didi Gregorius in the three- way deal with the D-backs. The Reds got their leadoff hitter, the catalyst and the producer they so desperately craved and didn't have last season.

Now they have one year to get it right with all of the pieces to the puzzle finally seemingly in place. It's not that up-and-coming leadoff hitter and top prospect Billy Hamilton is chopped liver, but Choo is a proven entity and he is here now.

"He's going to be a huge asset to the team, both on the field and in the clubhouse," right fielder Jay Bruce said.

Not only is the 30-year-old Choo capable of getting on first base to set the table for Brandon Phillips, Joey Votto and the rest of the order, he can just as easily make it a 1-0 game after one at-bat. He's also more than capable of driving in runs if men in the bottom third of the order reach base.

"A lot of leadoff hitters run and steal bases. I'm not that type of player," Choo said. "I have power and can do damage. I always think, wherever I , I will do the same thing. I'm not going to change. That's what I've proved with my numbers. If I see a good first pitch, I will swing. If I take a walk or get hit by a pitch -- there are a lot of options to get to first base."

Choo batted .283 with 16 home runs, 67 RBIs and 21 steals in 155 games last season for Cleveland. He also struck out 150 times. But in 99 games as the leadoff hitter, he batted .310 with a .389 on-base percentage. Lifetime, regardless of his spot in the order, his OBP is .381.

The Reds, despite winning 97 games and their division, got little out of the top of the order regardless of who was there. Leadoff men combined to bat .208 with a .254 on-base percentage, which is historically low production considering no team since the 1981 Blue Jays (.238 OBP from the top spot) had been that poor.

Subsequently, the Reds ranked ninth in the NL in runs scored. In the postseason, they were eliminated by the Giants in five games during the NL Division Series.

"With Choo up there, it's going to be a lot of fun," catcher Devin Mesoraco said. "He's a guy that can hit the gaps and drive in runs. I'm glad he's on our side. It wasn't fun facing him. He made adjustments throughout at-bats. You could never pitch him the same way twice. He's a good, professional hitter."

Choo's approach to hitting is one of consistency and diligence. During one recent morning session of batting practice, he asked coach Juan Lopez to throw one set of pitches outside and his next time up, he directed Lopez to come inside.

Regardless of location, each ball was pounded squarely on the barrel of the bat for line drives. No swing was wasted. Manager Dusty Baker was impressed, noting that Choo's swing was "rhythmic until the point of explosion." Teammates have noticed this as well.

"When you watch him in batting practice, he's just so smooth," Frazier said. "It's a swing that looks so effortless. It's 'lah-dee-dah,' and then 'boom!' It's nice to see those kinds of swings."

Mesoraco, a rookie last season, studied Choo's hitting approach with Cleveland on video when he was going over game plans with . He saw it up close when crouched behind the plate with Choo in front of him as the opposition.

And last month as Mesoraco participated in the first Reds' live BP session, he saw more of the same from his new teammate.

"He never looks fooled or looks bad at the plate," Mesoraco said. "He's a force at the top of the lineup. He can really work a count."

A native of Pusan, South Korea, Choo grew up not letting anyone ever outprepare him -- even teammates. His work ethic is one of going full speed -- at all times.

"I don't do it for anybody. I do it for me. That's my routine," Choo said. "I feel like if I'm not doing it, I won't stay in the big leagues anymore. That's what I did in the Minor Leagues or Korea. I keep thinking, 'How can I do better?' If you do 10 swings, I think, 'How can I do better?' So I might go 11 or 12 swings. Maybe that's Korean culture, to always do more than other players."

Even when Choo recently missed a week of exhibition games because of back spasms, the Reds had to put a governor on him. Even though he felt better relatively quick, Baker didn't want him to reaggravate the injury in meaningless spring games.

"This guy pushes the envelope big time," Baker said. "I was wondering about that before we got him. Usually you're worried about a guy being lazy and not a worker. This guy is the opposite."

The one still relatively unknown commodity about Choo is his skill as a center fielder. He was the primary right fielder in Cleveland. In Cincinnati, where Bruce mans right field, Choo will move to the middle of the field, where he's played only 10 times over his career. His lack of familiarity for the spot is far less a concern to the Reds compared to the upside of his potential leadoff prowess.

Admittedly uncomfortable in the early days of camp, Choo has put as much effort in improving defensively as he has with his hitting. He has worked regularly with coaches Billy Hatcher and Eric Davis.

"Early, I didn't have any tough, hard line drives," Choo said. "I had maybe two -- a line drive to the warning track that [the Indians' Jason] Giambi hit. There was a sun ball one time against the Padres that [Chase] Headley hit with the bases loaded. I remember, because I'm focused. Other than that, it's been routine. The most important thing is I'm feeling comfortable in center field."

Bruce, who was at one point willing to move over to center field to accommodate Choo, believes his new teammate will be successful at his new spot.

"Obviously, there is only one Drew Stubbs in my opinion as far as the range he possesses," Bruce said. "But Choo has worked extremely hard and takes a lot of pride in what he does. He's going to be just fine out there. There won't be any question as to whether or not he can play the position."

Choo declined South Korea's invitation to play in the World Classic, because he wanted to have time to get to know his new Reds teammates. He has made it a point to mingle around all sections of the clubhouse and try to get to know each teammate.

Fluent in English, Choo stopped using an interpreter a couple of years into his big league career. It's helped eliminate miscommunication and soften cultural differences.

"Sometimes when you have a translator, I will say 100 percent to him, but the translator might not say 100 percent," Choo said. "I knew it would take a lot of time to do it, but I wanted to learn. I want to spend time with my teammates. That's a big part of baseball. Teammates are very important. That's why I didn't play in the WBC. My teammates are like my family.

"Now I'm really comfortable in the clubhouse. Everyone talks to me and jokes around. Now we're ready to start the season. I can't wait."

Choo's efforts have been noticed, and it earned him clubhouse respect from all corners almost immediately.

"He's really come over here and taken well to everyone. He's a good guy," Bruce said.

"In any job, you need to prove yourself," Frazier said. "He's been doing it a long time. I don't think he'll have any trouble. Once he gets to Cincinnati and then fans take him in, I think he'll love it here and want to stay here for the end of his career."

For now, the Reds and Choo are taking it one year at a time. If all goes according to the blue print, especially from his bat at the top of the order, it could a very special year for Cincinnati.

Cueto tosses six shutout frames to top Cubs Right-hander also singles, scores first run; Frazier goes deep March 27, 2013, 12:55 A.M. ET

By Carrie Muskat

MESA, Ariz. -- outdueled Jeff Samardzija in a showdown between two Opening Day starters on Tuesday.

Todd Frazier hit a solo home run to back Cueto and lift the Reds to an 11-1 victory over the Cubs. The game was the Cubs' first night game at HoHoKam Stadium since March 28, 2005, and played in front of 9,388 fans.

Cueto scattered four hits over six scoreless innings, striking out five, while Samardzija gave up five hits over five innings, did not walk a batter, and struck out four. The Reds and Cueto open the season Monday against the Angels, while Samardzija and the Cubs begin in Pittsburgh.

"This is the last hurrah and it's just basically getting his work in and working on what he feels he needs to work on going into Opening Day," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said before the game about Samardzija.

Cueto singled off Samardzija with two outs in the third, advanced on a wild pitch and scored on Emmanuel Burriss' double.

"It was definitely a good atmosphere and I've pitched against Johnny since High A down in Sarasota and Daytona," Samardzija said. "We know each other pretty well. He's a heck of a and had a heck of a year last year."

Cueto also apparently is a good hitter.

"No, he's not -- but he was there," Samardzija said, laughing. "We had some fun with that, and that's the good thing about Johnny is he enjoys playing the game and you can tell. As a fellow baseball player, you appreciate those guys and it makes you compete a little more on the field when they're having fun, too. That's what it's all about."

"I feel really good. I'm ready to roll," Cueto said through a translator. "I felt like I had a good . It was good for me to end on a good note going into the season."

Hisanori Takahashi, bidding for the Cubs' final bullpen spot, struck out the side in the sixth. But Frazier connected on the first pitch leading off the seventh for his fifth spring home run.

Welington Castillo of the Cubs singled off Alfredo Simon in the seventh and scored two outs later on pinch-hitter Steve Clevenger's double.

The Reds blew the game wide open in the ninth, turning a one-run game into a blowout with nine runs. Cesar Izturis started the scoring with an RBI double and Corky Miller drove him in with a single. After a run-scoring error, Chris Heisey drove in a run with a single, Jay Bruce plated another with an RBI single of his own and after a Devin Lohman sac fly, Donald Lutz launched a three-run homer.

Up next: Joey Votto will be back in the lineup and expected to play nine innings when the Reds take on the Padres at 4:05 p.m. ET Wednesday at Goodyear Ballpark. Already named the No. 5 starter, Mike Leake will be making his final spring tune up and facing ex-teammate Edinson Volquez. Jose Arredondo, J.J. Hoover and Sean Marshall are among the relievers expected to pitch.

Mesoraco earns backup job; Olivo mulling options March 26, 2013, 10:20 PM ET

By Mark Sheldon

MESA, Ariz. -- The Reds have decided that Devin Mesoraco will be the No. 2 catcher behind .

Tuesday was the deadline for the Reds to either place non-roster invite Miguel Olivo on the big league roster or offer him a $100,000 retention bonus to report to Triple-A Louisville. The club offered the bonus and Olivo is still mulling his options before deciding.

"I would hate to see him go," manager Dusty Baker said. "Sometimes, contractual things supersede, sort of preclude what you want to do."

A 34-year-old veteran brought in to create competition with Mesoraco, Olivo batted .167 with one home run in 21 spring games for the Reds. If he accepts the bonus and heads to Louisville, his contract includes a June 1 out clause where he can ask for his release if he isn't on the Major League roster.

Tuesday's development signals that Mesoraco earned his place on the 25-man roster. He entered the night batting .361 and has been making solid contact all spring.

"It's not like Mesoraco didn't earn it," Baker said. "He did play well. [Monday], he had a bad game, but other than that, he's been great. You hope he's gotten to the point where he's mature enough where he realizes it's only a bad game and then you forget about it and don't dwell on it."

Like last season, Mesoraco will probably catch for Homer Bailey and Mike Leake.

In midst of great spring, Hoover now waits March 26, 2013, 10:20 PM ET

By Mark Sheldon

MESA, Ariz. -- Sometimes, the waiting is the hardest part.

Reds reliever J.J. Hoover has certainly made the pitching look easy. Hoover entered Tuesday with a 2.00 ERA in eight games with just one walk and 16 . He has struck out nine of his last 10 batters.

"Oh yeah, it's just the unknown," Hoover said of waiting to see if he makes the 25-man roster. "I'm prepared for anything. I'm prepared for whatever decision happens. But, it would be nice to get a decision soon."

Hoover is competing with Logan Ondrusek, and Alfredo Simon for one of the final bullpen spots. Last season as a rookie, he had a 2.05 ERA with 13 walks and 31 strikeouts in 28 appearances.

"He did it last year, too, the same thing he is doing now," manager Dusty Baker said.

Hoover has made it very hard for hitters to make any contact throughout the spring.

"In the world where velocity is most important, he has good velocity, but it's how you hide the ball which is more important," Baker said. "It's how you hide the ball, your delivery, how [the ball] jumps on you, if it has movement, if it has life. There are some guys throwing 97-98 mph, but they show you the ball soon and they throw a light ball with not much movement. If you catch up to it, it goes a long way."

Unlike Ondrusek and Simon, Hoover has Minor League options and could be sent down without going through waivers.

"I've done everything I can performance-wise up to this point," Hoover said. "I feel confident with what I've done. I understand the business side of things. I'll take the chips where they fall."

Berry likely to switch spots with Speier March 26, 2013, 10:20 PM ET

By Mark Sheldon

MESA, Ariz. -- Even after returning to Arizona from Cincinnati, where he learned he has cancer, Reds third-base coach Mark Berry has not been working on the field during games. Berry has been on the bench with manager Dusty Baker while bench coach Chris Speier is in the coaching box behind third base.

It's possible that it could be set up that way during the regular season. Berry is expected to miss road trips if he decides to undergo radiation treatment.

"We're discussing that now," Baker said. "Mark and I discussed it. It's not fair to him or the team or Chris to be in and out of there. There's a rhythm you get into. We're trying to decide that when he's there, he'll probably be on the bench with me.

"He can handle it. He's a baseball man. Chris can handle it because he has coached third before."

Speier coached third base on Baker's staff with the Cubs in 2005-06.

Worth noting

• Pitching in Minor League camp for Triple-A Louisville against Double-A Pensacola, worked one scoreless inning with two walks and two strikeouts on Tuesday. Pitching for Pensacola, Jonathan Broxton gave up one run and two hits with a in his one inning.

Cueto finishes spring strong March 26, 2013

By Mark Sheldon

A wild nine-run top of the ninth, with 13 men that came to the plate, helped give the Reds a 11-1 win over the Cubs on Tuesday night. It was a particularly rough inning for Cubs reliever Carlos Marmol, who faced six batters without notching an out while allowing six runs.

*After dealing with mechanical issues that got him knocked around his previous start, ace Johnny Cueto looked very good in his final spring tuneup. Cueto blanked the Cubs for six innings with four hits and one walk while striking out five. He also had a single in the top of the third inning and scored a run.

“I feel really good. I’m ready to roll,” Cueto said via a translator. “I felt like I had a good Spring Training. It was good for me to end on a good note going into the season.”

Roster bubble summary: *Emmanuel Burriss, who started at shortstop, was 1-for-5 and hit a RBI double to center field that scored Cueto in the third. Burriss also reached on an error in the ninth and stole second base. Defensively, he made a very nice diving stop behind second base on Anthony Rizzo’s sharp groundball. Rizzo still beat out the throw to first base for a single however.

*Jason Donald, who had missed several days with a knee injury, played an abbreviated game at second base and was 0-for-2. Donald was unable to turn a double play grounded to the shortstop in the fourth as Nate Schierholtz beat the throw to first base.

*Cesar Izturis replaced Donald and was 2-for-3 with a RBI ground rule down the right field line and a two-out single to left field. Both hits came in the ninth inning.

*Alfredo Simon replaced Cueto and pitched the seventh and eighth innings. Simon gave up one run and three hits with one walk and one strikeout.

*Finally check out this notebook item on reliever J.J. Hoover, who is awaiting word on his roster fate in the midst of a fantastic spring. Hoover is scheduled to work in Wednesday’s game vs. the Padres.

CINCINNATI ENQUIRER

Reds score 9 in 9th in 11-1 win against Cubs March 27, 2013

By John Fay

The arms: Johnny Cueto was very good in his final spring start. He went six shutout innings. He allowed four hits, walked one and struck out five. Cueto gave up five runs on five hits in his last start. “I felt better, more aggressive,” he said. Cueto declared himself ready for his Opening Day start. “Thank God, I’m ready to go. I feel really good.” Alfredo Simon made his first appearance since returning from the WBC. He allowed a run on three hits over two innings.

The bats: The Reds exploded for nine runs in the ninth. Cubs closer Carlos Marmol faced six hitters and retired none. Todd Frazier hit his fifth home run of the spring. Donald Lutz went 2-for-5 with his second home run of the spring and three RBI. Jay Bruce ended up 2-for-5 with a triple after striking out in his first three at-bats. Denis Phipps went 2-for-3 with a 420-foot RBI double to center.

The rest: Emmanuel Burriss made a couple of nice plays at shortstop.

Up next: The Reds are at home against the on Wednesday. Right-hander Mike Leake (0-0, 6.75 ERA) faces former Reds right-hander Edinson Volquez (1-0, 13.50). First pitch is at 4:05 p.m. The game is on WSAI (1360-am).

Devin Mesoraco makes Reds' Opening Day roster Olivo offered bonus, spot at Louisville March 27, 2013

By John Fay

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Reds offered catcher Miguel Olivo a $100,000 retention bonus to accept an assignment to Triple-A Louisville.

Olivo has not decided whether he’ll take it or not. If he does, he still has an out on June 1. The Reds either had to offer him the bonus or put him on the 40-man roster.

The move essentially means that Devin Mesoraco made the team.

Mesoraco is hitting .361/.425/.611 with two home runs and 11 RBI in 36 at-bats. Olivo was hitting .167/.205/.333 with one home run and four RBI in 36 at-bats.

Olivo, the 34-year-old veteran, was brought in to compete with Mesoraco.

“I hate to see him go,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said. “A lot of guys on the team had come to know him. I knew him from before. Like I said sometimes, contractual things supersede. They preclude what you want to do.”

Mesoraco struggled last year, hitting .212 with five home runs and 14 RBI in 165 at-bats, but he responded to the challenge this spring.

“It’s not like he didn’t deserve it,” Baker said. “He did play well. Yesterday, he had a bad game, but other than that he’s been great. You hope he’s gotten to the point — and he says he has — where he’s mature enough to realize it’s only a bad game and forget about it, then work on it, which he did yesterday.”

J.J. Hoover stays sharp for Reds Sneaky fastball keeping opponents off balance, just like last season March 27, 2013

By John Fay

GOODYEAR, Ariz. - J.J. Hoover came into camp knowing he had to impress the Reds’ brass to win a job.

“Absolutely,” he said. “I was a rookie last year. You have to prove yourself.”

Hoover has done that and then some. It is no stretch to say that Hoover has been the Reds’ best pitcher in camp. He’s thrown nine innings over eight games. He’s allowed two runs on nine hits. But here are eye-popping numbers: He’s struck out 16 and walked one.

And Hoover, the 25-year-old right-hander, isn’t merely a camp phenom.

“He’s done it not only this year but last year, too,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said. “He did the same thing he’s doing now.”

Hoover came to the Reds on April 1 of last year in the Juan Francisco trade with the . He went 4-0 with a 1.22 ERA in 30 games for Triple-A Louisville. He struck out 55 and walked 12 in 37 innings for the Bats. In two stints with the Reds, he went 1-0 with a 2.05 ERA. He struck out 31 and walked 13 in 302/3 innings.

Hoover’s been on an incredible run lately. He allowed a line out to the first batter he faced Monday. That ended a streak of seven strikeouts in a row. He then proceeded to strike out the next two hitters.

“Obviously, I’m looking to set up guys,” he said. “I’ve been able to do that.”

Hoover’s fastball averages 92.8 mph, according to fangraphs.com. But it’s sneaky fast, as they say.

“In the world of velocity what’s most important – he has good velocity – but it’s how you hide the ball, your delivery,” Baker said. “If it jumps on you, if it has life, if it has movement. Some guys are throwing 97 to 98, but they’re showing you the ball too soon. They throw a light ball. It doesn’t have much movement. If you catch up to it, it goes a long way.

“The hitters don’t square him up much.”

Hoover throws fastballs 73.1 percent of the time, according to fangraphs.com. He used his 19.5 percent and his 5.6 percent.

Hoover says strikeouts come on all three pitches.

“It depends on the hitter,” he said. “(Catcher Ryan Hanigan and Devin Mesoraco) have a good idea of what’s working.”

Right now, pretty much everything is for Hoover.

Chapman, Broxton put in minor work Reds notebook March 27, 2013

By John Fay

GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Aroldis Chapman and Jonathan Broxton threw in minor league games on Tuesday. Chapman threw a scoreless inning for Louisville. He struck out two and walked two.

Broxton went an inning for Pensacola. He allowed a run on two hits. He struck out one.

INJURY REPORT: Jason Donald returned to the lineup Tuesday night after missing four games with a sore knee.

“He’ll be in there for a short time tonight,” Baker said earlier Tuesday. “We’ll start him off with five (innings).”

Jack Hannahan was scheduled to start and play nine innings Tuesday, but he’s dealing with a slight groin problem. “I’ve got him slated to play some (Wednesday),” Baker said.

CHOO OK: Shin-Soo Choo played Saturday, Sunday and Monday without any problem after missing six games with back spasms. He was not in the lineup Tuesday. It was a scheduled day off.

“He’s been fine,” Baker said. “We brought him back slow. He’ll go nine (innings Wednesday).”

ON BERRY: Third base coach Mark Berry, who announced Sunday that he has cancer, continues to perform his pre-game duties. But Chris Speier has taken over coaching third.

“Mark and I discussed that,” Baker said. “It’s not fair to him or the team or Chris to be in and out of there. It’s a rhythm you get into. We’re trying to decide – when he’s there he’ll probably be on the bench with me. He’s a baseball man. He can handle it.”

Zack Cozart and Homer Bailey to host signing event April 2 March 26, 2013, 3:57 P.M. ET

By Adam Kiefaber

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart and Homer Bailey will visit the Sports Gallery in West Chester Township from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. next Tuesday, April 2.

The two players co-hosted a signing session at the same sports memorabilia shop last year. It was also on the day after Opening Day.

However, unlike last year, both players are coming into the signing event in much different positions.

Last April, Cozart became the first rookie shortstop to start Opening Day for Cincinnati since 1971 and was coming off an offseason that he spent rehabbing an elbow injury.

Cozart starred in 11 games for the Reds in July of 2011 and had a batting average of .324 before the season-ending injury, which required Tommy John surgery.

In his first full season in 2012, Cozart had a .246 batting average, scored 72 runs, hit 33 doubles and had 15 home runs.

Meanwhile, Homer Bailey was battling for the last spot in the rotation last spring.

Prior to winning that role, Bailey hadn’t pitched more than 132 innings in a season in his previous five with the Reds.

In 2012, Bailey went on to set career records in (3.68), games started (33), (208) and strikeouts (168).

Bailey also appeared to get stronger at the end of the season, tossing a no-hitter in late September against the and then breaking a Reds postseason record with 10 strikeouts in his start against the in Game 3 of the National League Division Series.

The cost to have an item signed by either Cozart or Bailey is $25 (one autograph per ticket). Fans can also buy a combo ticket, which includes signatures from both players, for $45. Bailey will also be signing autographs with a “No Hit” inscription for an additional $10.

Prior to signing events or on the day of the event, the Sports Gallery will also have , bats, photos, cards, helmets and other Reds collectibles available for purchase.

Furthermore, items can also be dropped off or mailed in to be signed.

The local sports memorabilia shop also has another autograph session locked down in April with two members of the Big Red Machine. On Thursday, April 18 from 6 to 8 p.m., Reds fans can get autographs from Pete Rose and Tony Perez.

Olivo offered bonus, spot at Louisville March 26, 2013, 6:37 P.M. ET

By John Fay

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Reds offered catcher Miguel Olivo a $100,000 retention bonus to accept an assignment to Triple-A Louisville.

Olivo has not decided whether he’ll take or not. If he does, he still has out on June 1. The Reds either had to offer him the bonus or put him on the 40-man roster.

The move essentially means that Devin Mesoraco made team.

Mesoraco is hitting .361/.425/.611 with two home runs and 11 RBI in 36 at-bats. Olivo was hitting .167/.205/.333 with one home run and four RBI in 36 at-bats.

Olivo, the 34-year-old veteran, was brought into to compete with Mesoraco.

“I hate to see him go,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said. “A lot guys on the team had come to know him. I knew him from before. Like I said sometimes, contractual things supersede. They preclude what you want to do.”

Mesoraco struggled last year, hitting .212 with five home runs and 14 RBI in 165 at-bats, but he responded to the challenge this spring.

“It’s not like he didn’t deserve it,” Baker said. “He did play well. Yesterday, he had a bad game, but other than that he’s been great. You hope he’s gotten to the point — and he says he has — where he’s mature enough to realize it’s only a bad game and forget about it, then work on it, which he did yesterday.”

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Cueto, Samardzija solid as Reds beat Cubs 11-1 March 27, 2013

By Scott Bair

MESA, Ariz. — The scene was perfectly set.

Cincinnati ace Johnny Cueto matched up with opening day starter Jeff Samardzija on a warm evening in front of a packed house.

The only thing was, it didn't count.

Next time they each take the mound, it will.

Both pitchers were in regular-season form Tuesday night as Cueto threw six shutout innings in his best outing this spring and Todd Frazier homered for the Reds in an 11-1 victory.

Cueto struck out five and walked one. Samardzija also was on point, giving up one run and five hits in five innings while striking out five.

"It was a good atmosphere, a good primer for the regular season," Samardzija said. "I've known Johnny for a long time, and it helps raise the overall competitiveness when the other guy is pitching well. I'm glad the final spring outing went well. I think I can speak for all of us when I say it's been a long spring. We can't wait to get out of here and start the regular season."

Cueto, too, declared himself ready to go. His performance was a stark contrast to his previous one, when he gave up five runs, two walks and couldn't get out of the second inning.

The right-hander was sharp against the Cubs, using precise fastball location to carry him through.

"Everything went as it should," Cueto said through translator Ron Ortegon, the Reds' assistant hitting coach. "It was nice to move beyond the last start and finish my spring on a good note. I'm excited for opening day."

Cueto's opening day assignment was earned with a strong 2012 season. He went 19-9 with a 2.78 ERA in 217 innings.

Samardzija is stepping into a No. 1 role for the first time. He was 9-13 with a 3.81 ERA on a terrible team in his first full major league season as a starter. He earned his opening day start with a strong spring that flashed his vast potential.

"Jeff has been real good for us, and I think he's ready to be the workhorse we need him to be," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said before the game. "He's made good use of his starts and at this point he's ready for opening day."

Samardzija cruised through most of the Reds' lineup, but had some trouble with Cueto in the third. The pitcher hit a line-drive single and scored on a double by Emmanuel Burriss.

Frazier went deep in the seventh, but the game was close until Cincinnati scored nine times in the ninth inning.

Cubs closer Carlos Marmol had his worst outing of the spring and was booed by the home crowd at HoHoKam Stadium. He gave up six runs (four earned) on four hits and a walk without getting an out, snapping his scoreless streak at 6 2-3 innings.

NOTES: Cubs RHP Zach Putnam and INF Alberto Gonzalez have been told they won't make the 25-man roster, but haven't officially been reassigned. Putnam will still pitch for the big league team on Wednesday, but will go to minor league camp after that. Gonzalez will leave Arizona with the Cubs and play two exhibition games in Houston against the Astros. Those cuts increase the odds that LHP Hisanori Takahashi or RHP Cory Wade and C-INF Steve Clevenger will make the roster, although the Cubs are still looking at external options in the bullpen and on the bench. ... 3B Ian Stewart (quadriceps) and RHP Matt Garza (back) will remain at the team's spring training facility to rehab their respective injuries. ... The Cubs hosted their first night spring training game since March 28, 2005, against the .

SPORTSONEARTH.COM

Season Preview: NL Central March 27, 2013

By Jonathan Bernhardt

The National League Central is mourning this season for the loss of the dearly departed -- and the free wins that came with them. However, we must all soldier forward, and the Central faces the coming season one team lighter but a bit more dangerous -- the Pirates continue their slow climb toward .500, and the Cubs are no laughing matter this year like they were the last. Still, the Reds and Cardinals are the class of the group.

Again, teams are ranking from 1st to 5th -- best to worst -- on their lineups, fielding, rotation, and bullpen. When I talk about a pitcher's spot in a team's rotation, I don't use whatever rotation guesstimate is out there before the teams get fully set to break camp, but instead rank the pitcher I think is best as the ace, the second-best as the No. 2, and so on for simplicity's sake.

First Place: The Lineup: 2nd Fielding: 3rd Rotation: 1st Bullpen: 1st

Even without the Astros to beat up on (10-5 last year against Houston, though they're hardly alone in that regard), the Reds should win the Central for a second straight year. They're probably not a 97-win team again -- not unless they're able to roll five effective starting pitchers for the entire season like they were in 2012 -- but at the plate, the team's actually gotten better. In addition to Joey Votto, one of the best pure hitters in baseball, the team returns Jay Bruce, , gets a full season from Todd Frazier at third base, and most importantly adds Shin-Soo Choo to the everyday lineup. Choo came over from the Indians in a deal that sent Drew Stubbs packing -- also a positive for the Reds everyday lineup. Reds fans will be hoping Zack Cozart takes a step forward from last year's tepid performance at the plate, and that catcher Devin Mesoraco finally lives up to his billing and becomes the complete package behind the plate Cincinnati hopes he can be. Ludwick is a candidate to regress and Brandon Phillips's bat dropped off last year; he's getting old for a second baseman, so the Reds have to hope he can hold on for another few seasons.

The Reds return most of the same fielders as well, with one glaring exception: Cincinnati not only traded their centerfielder for Shin-Soo Choo, but they've decided to play Choo there and bat him leadoff as well. Choo has played all of 83 innings in CF in his 8 years in the majors, but his performance there was good enough this spring that the Reds aren't moving Jay Bruce over to relieve him. was one of the best defensive 3B in baseball for a long, long time, but at this point in his career putting Todd Frazier there full-time counts as an upgrade -- Rolen still wants to play this season, but right now is a free agent. Despite his woes at the plate last year, Brandon Phillips remains one of the best fielding 2B in the game and Zack Cozart is a very good fundamental fielder at short. The outfield defense is what's really concerning -- three corner outfielders, with the RF Bruce probably the strongest fielder among them. If the Reds under perform this year -- especially in their pitching staff -- and everybody's healthy, this might be the main culprit.

Not to take anything away from the team I'm picking second in the Central, but the Reds have the best staff top to bottom in the division. Mat Latos, Johnny Cueto, and Homer Bailey were all aces last year and there's no indication any of those performances were flukes. The Aroldis Chapman experiment has ended with his relegation back to the bullpen (that's what happens when your plus plus plus fastball turns into just a plus fastball, your plus plus turns into a kind of fringy slider and you don't have a credible third pitch) but Bronson Arroyo and Mike Leake are decent options at the back of the rotation, assuming age doesn't catch up to Arroyo quite yet and Leake is able to pitch more like his sophomore season that he did last year. It's the three-headed monster at the top of the rotation that will determine whether the Reds win this division or finish second or even third place; injuries could torpedo them quickly, as there's not much starting pitching depth in the system at all.

Aroldis Chapman, Jonathan Broxton, and Sean Marshall are three great options for the Reds at the top of the pen -- Chapman everyone knows about, but Marshall might be one of my favorite relievers in baseball. I wish that current managing styles put more emphasis on actual relief aces these days -- guys who come in like troubleshooters regardless of what inning it is to get the team out of jams when they have the lead -- and I think a guy like Marshall, a former starter, could stand to pitch another 15 to 20 innings over the 60 or so he'll likely get in a setup role. Nevertheless he's been one of the most effective relievers in the league since moving to the pen and as he's only 30 years old, there's absolutely no reason why that shouldn't be true for years to come. Alfredo Simon is coming off a great (if lucky) 2012 and seeing as he's out of options, there's no reason he shouldn't make the team regardless of his spring. If he doesn't, he'll quickly find a home somewhere else soon.

ESPN.COM

Aroldis Chapman's new old role He's back at closer, but does that change his overall value? March 26, 2013

By ESPN.com Day 7 of the BBTN 500 consists of players ranked 26-50. Aroldis Chapman comes in at No. 46, but this voting was done when everyone thought he was headed to the rotation. Our panelists are here to discuss how his return to the bullpen as the closer changes that assessment.

1. Should we adjust Chapman's ranking based on his return to the bullpen?

Eric Karabell (@karabellespn), ESPN Fantasy: In theory, yes, because it's difficult to objectively place any -- even a top one -- in the top 50 overall in terms of value. The fact is that a 70-some-inning pitcher just can't compete with a 200-inning starter in terms of impact. The Reds made the wrong decision, though it's not likely to hurt them much as they chase another pennant.

Mark Simon (@msimonespn), ESPN Stats & Info: Yes, but not too far down. I'd still plug him in between 50 and 75. I know that a lot of people don't think relievers should be ultra-highly valued, but Chapman is a legitimate exception to the rule because he's unique (lefty relievers worth 3.5-plus WAR are unusual -- the last before Chapman was B.J. Ryan in 2006). And I think that we may see a few instances this year when manager Dusty Baker uses Chapman as his own setup man, and he gets a few more four- and five-out saves.

Justin Havens (@jayhaykid), ESPN Stats & Info: Yes, I would say definitively that Aroldis Chapman -- closer -- should not be ranked ahead of Justin Upton, Yoenis Cespedes and Jose Reyes. While I do expect him to be among the best closers in baseball this season, the simple fact that he is a relief pitcher limits the ceiling of his value. From a personnel management standpoint, I think you can make the argument that the Reds' decision isn't as terrible as one might assume, given that Chapman himself isn't behind the idea of starting. But it probably also eliminates Chapman from ever entering the top 50 in this discussion again.

2. Will he ever start a game in the majors?

Karabell: Nope, Chapman is a reliever now and it's unlikely to change, which is a shame because the Reds should at least have attempted to see what would have happened. Perhaps it wouldn't have worked out due to performance or injury, but we'll never know. Doesn't mean he can't have a terrific career piling up the most misunderstood of stats (saves), though.

Simon: No. I think his career is as a high-value reliever for as long as he can throw upwards of 97 mph. Eventually, the arm may give out, as it does for many flamethrowers (see Rodriguez, Francisco), but he'll still be someone you'll look back on 10 years from now and remember how wowed you were.

Havens: It would be easy to say "no," given that he seems squarely on the closer trajectory moving forward, and he himself prefers that. But a lot can happen in five or 10 years, and Chapman is just 25 years old. The real issue is that relegating him to the bullpen will allow him to get by with just two pitches, further hindering his ability to transition to a starter's role. I think he'll be in a Reds uniform longer than Dusty Baker, so I'll say yes at some point.

3. Will the Reds regret putting him back in the 'pen?

Karabell: They will if they lose a crucial playoff game started by Bronson Arroyo or Mike Leake. I don't think Dusty Baker will ever regret it, because he clearly thinks this is the right move. The front office knows the Reds would have a better team with Chapman throwing even 150 innings, especially with a solid bullpen already in place. But ultimately the Reds are hardly the only team that thinks provincially.

Simon: No. I actually think the regret will come in the form of the contract given to Jonathan Broxton, who now is a highly paid setup man. Chapman will be great in his role and the Reds will reap the benefits for the next several years, including a division title (and a very good chance at an LCS appearance) in 2013.

Havens: I'll answer this in a slightly different way: I think the Reds are going to regret bringing back Dusty Baker. Baker was, by all accounts, the driving force behind the Chapman-in-the-bullpen idea, with the front office supporting a shift to the rotation. If they had parted ways -- as was possible this offseason -- that could have ensured the new manager was on board with the transition. Instead, it appears they've allowed a manager on a short-term contract to dictate the long-term trajectory of their highest-upside arm.

BBTN 500: Players No. 26-50 (excerpt) March 27, 2013

Who are the best players in heading into the 2013 season? ESPN formed a panel of MLB writers, analysts and contributors to rank the top 500. The countdown from No. 500 to No. 1 begins March 20 and ends March 28 with a special edition of "Baseball Tonight" at 10 p.m. ET.

The results will be announced on ESPN.com, on Facebook and Twitter (@BBTN). Fans can use the hashtag #BBTN500 to join the discussion and to follow along.

To compile the top 500, 34 ESPN experts, who were polled in the final two weeks of February, started with a list of more than 600 players. Using a 0-to-100 scale, they evaluated the players based only on how well they will perform in 2013. Players expected to miss 2013 with an injury, such as Chris Carpenter and Rafael Furcal, were not included. Ages are listed as of July 1, 2013.

41. Johnny Cueto Pos: RHP | Age: 27 2012 rank: 101

46. Aroldis Chapman Position: LHP | Age: 25 2012 rank: 231

KYPOST.COM

Marty Brennaman reflects on 40 years as the voice of the Reds March 27, 2013

By WCPO Digital Staff

(Link to video: http://goo.gl/HXH5J)

CINCINNATI - Marty Brennaman has been the voice of the Cincinnati Reds for 40 years this season.

It started with history in the first inning of his first Reds game: Hank Aaron tied Babe Ruth's all-time career home run record. Marty says reflecting on 40 years, he never thought he'd be in the Queen City that long.

"I was fortunate to land in Cincinnati 40 years ago and with all the opportunities I've had, every time I had to pull the trigger I couldn't say yes," Marty said.

The offers did come, but Marty said he liked it here, and a legendary duo would emerge with Joe Nuxhall.

In Cincinnati, Marty and Joe became as familiar as Procter & Gamble.

Of course it helped that Marty's first few seasons were incredible, never-to-be-repeated seasons thanks to the Big Red Machine.

And even though it was followed by not-so-good seasons, the voices endured through hard times, ups and downs and an age of high-tech this and high-tech that.

Radio remains one of the best way to catch a Reds game, with Marty on the other end.

Marty says he has no regrets about staying, and he's developed into a household name and a hall of famer as a result.

TRANSACTIONS

MLB.com has reported the following player transactions for Tuesday, March 26, 2013:

RHP Ryne Harper assigned to Atlanta Braves. Atlanta Braves optioned Tyler Pastornicky to Gwinnett Braves. Atlanta Braves optioned David Carpenter to Gwinnett Braves. Atlanta Braves optioned Jose Constanza to Gwinnett Braves.

Boston Red Sox released 1B Lyle Overbay.

3B Jeimer Candelario assigned to Chicago Cubs. RHP Michael Hamann assigned to Chicago Cubs.

Chicago White Sox placed LHP John Danks on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 22, 2013. Recovering from August 2012 left shoulder surgery. placed LHP Leyson Septimo on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 22, 2013. Left shoulder strain.

OF Junior Arias assigned to Cincinnati Reds.

Cleveland Indians signed free agent RHP Matt Capps. signed free agent RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka. 1B Jerrud Sabourin assigned to Cleveland Indians. 1B Chun-Hsiu Chen assigned to Cleveland Indians. RHP Brett Brach assigned to Cleveland Indians. 3B Todd Hankins assigned to Cleveland Indians.

2B Hernan Iribarren assigned to .

Detroit Tigers optioned Luke Putkonen to Toledo Mud Hens. Detroit Tigers placed RF Avisail Garcia on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 22, 2013. Right heel contusion. RHP Justin Souza assigned to Detroit Tigers.

Houston Astros released SS Tyler Greene. RHP Andrew Robinson assigned to Houston Astros.

RHP Malcom Culver assigned to . SS Justin Trapp assigned to Kansas City Royals.

OF Andrew Ray assigned to .

Los Angeles Dodgers optioned Yasiel Puig to Chattanooga Lookouts. optioned Dee Gordon to . Los Angeles Angels sent Steve Geltz outright to Salt Lake Bees.

RHP Sean Donatello assigned to . Miami Marlins optioned Jacob Turner to New Orleans Zephyrs. Miami Marlins optioned Dan Jennings to New Orleans Zephyrs. Miami Marlins signed free agent LF Matt Diaz. 2B Anthony Gomez assigned to Miami Marlins. RHP Nick Wittgren assigned to Miami Marlins. LF Jake Smolinski assigned to Miami Marlins. OF Cody Keefer assigned to Miami Marlins.

RHP Armando Rodriguez assigned to . RHP Randy Fontanez assigned to New York Mets. 1B Richard Lucas assigned to New York Mets. LHP Chase Huchingson assigned to New York Mets. LHP Hamilton Bennett assigned to New York Mets.

Los Angeles Angels traded LF Vernon Wells to for RF Exicardo Cayones and LHP Kramer Sneed. New York Yankees released 2B David Adams. New York Yankees claimed Dan Otero off waivers from San Francisco Giants. New York Yankees signed free agent 1B Lyle Overbay. New York Yankees placed LHP Cesar Cabral on the 60-day disabled list. Stress fracture in his left elbow.

Oakland Athletics placed 2B Adam Rosales on the 15-day disabled list. Strained left intercostal.

IF Miguel Abreu assigned to . Philadelphia Phillies released RHP Aaron Cook.

2B Dan Gamache assigned to Pittsburgh Pirates.

St. Louis Cardinals recalled Ryan Jackson from . St. Louis Cardinals placed 3B David Freese on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 23, 2013. Lower back strain. OF Thomas Pham assigned to St. Louis Cardinals. LHP Nick Greenwood assigned to St. Louis Cardinals. SS Jake Lemmerman assigned to St. Louis Cardinals. St. Louis Cardinals optioned Sam Freeman to Memphis Redbirds.

C Rocky Gale assigned to San Diego Padres.

San Francisco Giants selected the contract of RHP Chad Gaudin from .

RHP Cameron Copping assigned to Seattle Mariners. RHP Oliver Garcia assigned to Seattle Mariners.

OF Ismel Antunez assigned to . 1B Jeff Malm assigned to Tampa Bay Rays. 3B Ariel Soriano assigned to Tampa Bay Rays. C Lucas Bailey assigned to Tampa Bay Rays. IF Julian Morillo assigned to Tampa Bay Rays. Tampa Bay Rays optioned Brandon Gomes to .

RHP Marcus Stroman assigned to . Toronto Blue Jays optioned Ricky Romero to Dunedin Blue Jays.

Washington Nationals released RHP Chris Young.