BY SCOTT MACGREGOR
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The Reds made an offer Friday to Dominican phenom pitcher Ricardo Aramboles. Whether they sign him depends on how much money they're funneling from the major-league payroll into player development.

Aramboles is the 16-year old who became a free agent when his contract with the Florida Marlins was voided by the league because he was too young. When he turned 16, he became a free agent and this week held a showcase for all major-league teams in Tampa, Fla.

Reds General Manager Jim Bowden said Aramboles was extremely impressive.

But because Aramboles was so impressive, it's expected the Reds will not be able to afford him because of their current payroll constraints. On Friday, agent Rob Plummer said that's not necessarily the case.

''I'm very impressed with what the Reds are doing,'' Plummer said. ''They're coming in with a different attitude than other teams. They want to work toward player development, so what they offer may be different than what they can pay for their major-league payroll.''

Still, unless there has been a windfall of cash into the Reds' coffers, signing Aramboles will be difficult. Even if they are putting more money into player development, it could still be well short of what Aramboles is expected to get, which is anywhere from $2.5-$5 million. Plummer began taking offers Friday and will close the bidding Wednesday.

Bowden said the Reds will look at free-agent pitcher Jack McDowell, but he'd have to be willing to sign for $300,000 or less. The 1993 American League Cy Young winner has been beset by injuries the last few years but could go for more than that.

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