Still seeking another experienced catcher to back up and even push Jason LaRue, the Reds are eyeing Kelly Stinnett, who became a free agent Wednesday after the Arizona Diamondbacks declined to tender him a contract

        Stinnett, a seven-year veteran, hit .217 with eight homers and 33 RBI in 76 games.

        The Reds' contingent of 16 non-roster invitees to spring training includes switch-hitter Matt Walbeck, who has logged eight years in the majors with four different clubs. But gathering catchers is much like collecting quarterbacks: Three are better than two.

        The Reds also remain interested in Mike DiFelice, the backup Tampa Bay is still offering in trade.

        Short on left-handed pitching, the Reds are said to be intrigued by Chris Peters, a Fort Thomas native who was non-tendered by Pittsburgh. Peters, a finesse pitcher, can start or relieve.

        KNUCKLING UNDER: Though most non-roster invitees to spring training maintain low profiles, pitcher Jared Fernandez should attract plenty of attention with the Reds.

        Fernandez relies on a knuckleball, which makes him a rarity. He apparently has a fair idea of how to use it, based on the 22-13 record he compiled in Triple-A the last two seasons.

        “I feel that if he's given a chance, he's going to be a great asset to the major-league staff,” said Reds farm director Tim Naehring, who signed Fernandez as a six-year free-agent from Boston. “It's well-documented that knuckleballers sometimes make other pitchers around them much better, because they're so good at throwing off (hitters') approaches.”

        Before a line drive broke his wrist and finished his season prematurely this year, Fernandez compiled a 10-4 record with a 3.02 ERA for Boston's Triple-A Pawtucket affiliate.

Reds keeping Sullivan - for now Reds eyeing Stinnett as backup catcher

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