SAN FRANCISCO — With 12 players eligible for salary arbitration, the Reds' offseason promises to be almost as active — and just as competitive — as the regular season.

        Since general manager Jim Bowden has said he must operate with a payroll comparable to this year's $45 million total, expect the Reds to economize whenever possible. That's difficult to accomplish with so many players up for arbitration, a process that guarantees huge raises.

        The Reds will try to sign as many players as they can before salary figures are exchanged in January. Those who balk at the club's proposals may find themselves headed for arbitration hearings — or even released. Cincinnati's arbitration-eligible group includes five players already earning more than $1 million: second baseman Pokey Reese ($1.95 million), left fielder Dmitri Young ($1.95 million), left-hander Ron Villone ($1.6 million), right-hander Steve Parris ($1.4 million) and reliever Scott Sullivan ($1.1 million). Outfielder Alex Ochoa ($862,500) almost surely will join the seven-figure class.

        First-time eligible players such as first baseman Sean Casey and relief ace Danny Graves ($400,000 apiece) are virtually guaranteed astronomical salary increases.

        Though utilityman Chris Stynes, right-hander Osvaldo Fernandez, outfielder Brian Hunter and left-hander Dennys Reyes may figure in the Reds' plans for 2001, they could face stubborn negotiations.

Giants 4, Reds 2 Box, runs Bonds serves HR bat to McEnroe Mudville nine now belong to Reds Arbitration could break the bank Injured should return Friday

Smith wants harder practices
SULLIVAN: Bengals fans: Why do you take it?
Dillon: Few yards or answers
Braham's absence may be extended
Lewis free, still great
Complete Olympics coverage at Cincinnati.com/olympics
DAUGHERTY: 5th Olympics for 'Mother T'
Results of our Olympic TV survey
Viewers comments on Olympic TV coverage
Non-viewers comments on Olympic TV coverage
Softball team loses third straight
Track begins Friday
U.S. heavyweight advances to showdown with Cuban
Davenport withdraws with foot injury
XU shooter finishes 35th
Ewing traded to Sonics in four-team deal
Complete prep football coverage at Enquirer.com/prepfootball
High School Highlights
Ohio high school results
N. Kentucky high school results

• Return to Reds front page...