Reserve infielder Juan Castro and backup catcher Kelly Stinnett signed contract extensions, the Reds announced.

        Castro, 28, signed a two-year extension through the 2004 season. He had been signed through 2002.

        “They've made me feel at home,” said Castro, a former Los Angeles Dodger who arrived via trade in April 2000.

        Stinnett, 31, signed through the 2003 season, with a mutual option for 2004. He had signed a one-year contract for the 2001 season Jan.9, with a mutual option for 2002.

        “They've treated me fairly, so I jumped on it,” Stinnett said. “And I don't see a lot of other catchers coming up soon ... Not to knock the other catchers, but this is a good fit for me.”

        Bowden acknowledged that Reds catching prospect Dane Sardinha, 22, is “probably two to three years away” and that there is not a large pool of quality backup catchers.

        Bowden said the signings helped solidify the bench for a longer term.

        “Juan Castro is one of the best backup defensive infielders in baseball, and he's really learning how to hit,” Bowden said. Castro is hitting .300.

        With Stinnett, Bowden said, the Reds like his veteran presence and defensive savvy. Stinnett is hitting .265.

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