All Things Bubba

The Reds traded Double-A pitcher David Shafer for Kirk Saarloos today. They don't know if he'll be a starter or a reliever. Shafer was on the 40-man roster, so no roster move was necessary to make room for Saarloos.

They also announced that they signed former Yankee Mark Bellhorn. Bellhorn had a great year with the Red Sox in 2004. Though usually a utility infielder, injuries gave him the starting job, and he made the most of it. But he hasn't hit well since. The Reds gave him a minor league deal and an invite to spring training.

Yesterday's Reds Mailbag had a question about the outfielder situation. Beat reporter Mark Sheldon seems to think right field (or maybe center field) is wide open:

If Denorfia does not end up as an everyday player, he could certainly be a guy that plays a lot in Narron's frequently tweaked lineups. He has the ability to play all three outfield spots, which helps. With right field currently not firmed up, Denorfia, Hopper, Ryan Freel, Jeff Conine, Bubba Crosby, Josh Hamilton and possibly Ken Griffey Jr. could all be potential choices.

There's also some discussion of the outfielder situation at Red Hot Mama. (The thread was originally about Ray Olmedo, but it drifted.)

Looking at various Reds blogs, there seems to be little agreement on the outfield. Some think Denorfia will start in CF, and Griffey move to right. Some think Denorfia will start...with the Louisville Bats. Some think Freel will start in CF or RF; others say he can't play every day, and he's too useful as a utility guy to tie him down to a single position. Some think Conine will start in right field; others think his 40-year-old legs will keep him in the infield. Still others think Krivsky will make another deal before spring training is over, netting an outfielder yet unknown.

I guess it really is wide open. Which means if Bubba does well in spring training, he could not only make the team - he could end up with the starting right field or center field job.