According to
this, the Reds are going to be in the $80 million range next year, which doesn't suggest participatory intentions for the free agent proceedings this winter.
Four million is a lot to spend on middle relief when Bob Castellini is saying
"look at the Rays" in a conversation about what he intends to do with the team payroll. The rate of attrition for relievers is relatively high compared to starters and position players.
Personally, I feel the Reds are very similar to the Texas Rangers. Both have some nice young pieces due to an increased focus on developing talent internally, and both rank at the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency(last and second to last, to be precise), which greatly effects the output of their pitching staffs. Alex Gonzalez and Ryan Freel both missed a good chunk of time next year, and with their health assumed for next season, the Reds have definite room for improvement in team defense.
I think they'll probably add a cheap outfielder(Magglio seems a little pricey but not totally inconceivable I suppose), and listen for trade offers.
