Contrary to popular belief, Reds first-round draft pick Jeremy Sowers isn't at all “unsignable.”

        That perspective comes from Jeff Barry, the agent who's advising the left-handed pitcher from Louisville's Ballard High School.

        Barry's reasoning is simple: Sowers' dream is to pitch in the major leagues.

        But Sowers' desire to attend Vanderbilt, which has given him a full scholarship, scared off other teams that considered drafting him and theoretically has raised the price tag on his bonus. It has been speculated that Sowers won't consider signing for anything less than a $3 million bonus.

        “He is very serious about school,” Barry said. “He's going to go to school whether he starts pro baseball now or three years from now.”

        Barry said no talks with the Reds have been scheduled. Negotiations, he added, have remained at the “initial” stage, since Sowers returned from the Junior Team USA competition in Cuba recently.

        “The Reds have been very respectful of that,” Barry said. “Now, things will start to get under way, one way or another. I know (the Reds) have a lot with the trading deadline coming up, but there's no sense of urgency at this time.”

        Reds general manager Jim Bowden referred questions about Sowers to scouting director Kasey McKeon, who's handling negotiations with the top pick. McKeon wasn't immediately available.

        MINOR MOVE: In what amounted to a “paper transaction,” in manager Bob Boone's words, right-hander Pete Harnisch moved from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list. This cleared a 40-man roster spot for right-hander Leo Estrella, who was reclaimed on waivers from the Mets organization. Estrella then was optioned to Triple-A Louisville.

        Since Harnisch originally went on the disabled list May 11, he still can be activated at any time. The Opening Day starter, who has progressed slowly from tendinitis in his right elbow, is expected to throw off a mound at 45 feet today along with reliever John Riedling, who's also on the 60-day DL.

        Said Boone: “Hopefully we'll get encouraged by what Pete does. I have a feeling we're going to be.”

        Estrella began the season in the Reds system after joining the organization from Toronto in the Steve Parris trade. He had no record, a 3.52 ERA and one save in 20 appearances at Double-A and Triple-A before the Mets claimed him on waivers June 14. He was 2-0 with a 3.12 ERA in one start and seven relief appearances for Triple-A Norfolk.

        OUCH: The Reds finished interleague play 4-11.

Tigers 3, Reds 1 For Rijo, “It's already a miracle' Jose Rijo photo gallery Griffey dismisses talk of shutting down Agent says Sowers not 'unsignable' Reds-Braves Scouting Report Tigers pitcher can take the heat Reds box, runs

Bengals signed 7 playoff veterans
Bengals sign 4th-rounder Johnson
SULLIVAN: LeBeau looking for that look
Second 2002 recruit commits to Xavier
UC selects Hall of Famers
Underdogs win summer basketball league
NKU men's basketball schedule
Bonds Watch: No homer
Two locals left in Ohio Women's Am

• Return to Reds front page...