C. Trent Rosecrans spoke to Reds brass Bob Castellini, Walt Jocketty, and Dusty Baker today (Jocketty transcript here). All three told him the team has reached its payroll budget. It may be a slight increase from the ’08 payroll.
The Reds’ 2009 additions/re-signings include Ramon Hernandez ($6MM), David Weathers ($4.6MM or $3MM), Willy Taveras ($2.25MM), Jerry Hairston Jr. ($2MM), Mike Lincoln ($1.5MM), Arthur Rhodes ($2MM), and Jonny Gomes (minor league deal). Many of the team’s veterans have significant raises for ’09: Francisco Cordero ($3.5MM), Aaron Harang ($4.25MM), Bronson Arroyo ($1.5MM), Brandon Phillips ($2MM), and Edwin Encarnacion ($2MM+).
On the flip side, the Reds will not have to pay Adam Dunn ($13MM in ’08), Ken Griffey Jr. ($12.5MM, partially deferred), Dave Ross ($2.525MM), Ryan Freel ($3MM), Javier Valentin ($1.3MM), Jeremy Affeldt ($3MM), Corey Patterson ($3MM) and Josh Fogg ($1MM).
