Reds agree to terms with Hairston

[el loco]

Reds agree to terms with Hairston
Infielder/outfielder expected to be everyday shortstop in 2009
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com

CINCINNATI -- The Reds have reached an agreement with free-agent infielder/outfielder Jerry Hairston Jr. on a one-year deal worth a guaranteed $2 million, a baseball source told MLB.com on Tuesday.
In an indication that the incumbent Alex Gonzalez won't be healthy enough to start the season, Hairston will become the Reds' new everyday shortstop and can earn up to $4 million next season through the incentive-laden deal.

The signing is expected to be announced by the Reds on Wednesday. A phone message was left with general manager Walt Jocketty late Tuesday night.

By bringing back Hairston, the Reds have successfully retained all three of the free agents they tried to re-sign. Relievers Mike Lincoln and David Weathers will also be returning.

In 80 games at six positions last season, the 32-year-old Hairston batted .326 with six home runs, 36 RBIs and 15 stolen bases. He played 34 games at shortstop, and his being able to play that position regularly in 2009 helped seal the deal.

The Cardinals and Royals were the two other teams that seriously pursued Hairston.

The 2008 season was a comeback year for Hairston following two poor, injury-plagued years with the Cubs and Rangers. He batted .206 in 2006 and .189 in 2007 while battling neck and back problems.

The Reds signed Hairston to a Minor League deal last March, during Spring Training, and he earned $500,000 after his April 21 promotion. He made 62 starts, and the Reds had a 25-19 record when he was the leadoff hitter.

Recent free-agent acquisition and center fielder Willy Taveras will be Cincinnati's full-time leadoff man in 2009, however. Hairston seems a likely fit for the No. 2 spot in the order.

Injuries were still an issue for Hairston last season, when he missed 44 games over three stints on the disabled list. He broke his left thumb in June while stealing a base and twice had a strained right hamstring.

But health is an even bigger factor with Gonzalez, who missed all of last season with a fractured left knee. In July, Gonzalez had microfracture surgery, and reports were originally optimistic that he would be ready in time for Spring Training.

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/art ... p&c_id=cin

[el loco]

I like the move. Hairston is a good utility guy and I am glad the Reds are bringing him back.