The Reds have found some free agent pitchers they can afford.

        The club is expected to sign veteran pitchers Jimmy Haynes and Brian Bohanon to minor-league deals today. Both will be invited to camp with a chance to make the big-league club.

        Haynes and Bohanon are the types of free agents the Reds can afford in these days of super-tight budgets.

        Haynes would earn $500,000 if he makes the club, Bohanon $300,000.

        Haynes, a 31-year-old right-hander, went 8-17 with a 4.85 ERA with the Milwaukee Brewers last year. He threw 172 innings, which would have ranked third on the Reds' staff. He was 12-13 with a 5.48 ERA in 2000.

        Bohanon, a 31-year-old left-hander, was 5-8 with a 7.14 ERA with the Colorado Rockies last year. He battled elbow problems all year, with two stints on the disabled list.

        He was 12-10 with a 4.68 ERA in 2000 and 12-12 with a 6.20 ERA in 1999.

        Reds pitching coach Don Gullett has a long history of helping pitchers revive their careers. Pete Harnisch, Pete Schourek, Jason Bere and Jeff Shaw are among Gullett's success stories.

        Of course, the Reds are going deeper and deeper into the bargain basement because of the budget these days.

        Haynes and Bohanon will join Joey Hamilton as long shots to make the rotation.

        MERCADO SIGNS:

        The Reds signed left-handed reliever Hector Mercado to a one-year contract Thursday. The contract will pay Mercado, 27, just above the major-league minimum.

        Mercado was 3-2 with a 4.08 ERA for the Reds last year. He made 56 appearances — all in relief.

        MR. STRENGTH:

        The Reds hired Carlo Alvarez as the club's strength and conditioning coordinator.

        Alvarez, a 29-year-old graduate of the University of Cincinnati, had been the assistant strength and conditioning coordinator for the Cleveland Indians since December 1999. He was the head strength and conditioning coach at St.Xavier High School from March 1996 until August 1998, then joined the staff at the University of Notre Dame.

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