Danny Graves (L) and Jason LaRue. (File photo) | ZOOM |

        After signing a one-year deal with the Reds reported at $3.525million, reliever Danny Graves spent Tuesday afternoon on the golf course.

        Last year's arbitration wasn't nearly as carefree for Graves.

        “It's definitely a process that you don't want to go through,” Graves said from his winter home in Florida. “Neither the player or the team.”

        Graves, a 28-year-old right-handed pitcher, had a career-high 32 saves in 66 relief appearances last season. He was 6-5 with a 4.15 ERA.

        His 97 saves for the Reds is the third-highest total in club history.

        “Danny is happy to be a Red,” said Alan Nero, Graves' agent. “The Reds were very generous with a good offer.”

        With Graves signed, three players — third baseman Aaron Boone, pitcher Scott Williamson and outfielder Juan Encarnacion — are still eligible for arbitration.

        Graves joins first baseman Sean Casey and pitchers Elmer Dessens and Jose Silva as arbitration-eligible Reds who have agreed to terms for 2002.

        Graves spends his mornings working out with teammate Barry Larkin and his afternoons running after his kids and meeting with contractors, who are building the family house.

        Graves said he will train differently this spring.

        In the past, Graves has pitched in a relief role in the spring, entering games in the eighth and ninth innings. But he said it hasn't given him the amount of work he needs, nor the quality.

        This spring, Graves will start games.

        Graves said he's open to being a starter or staying a reliever. He just wants to pitch.

        “Right now, either one is fine,” Graves said. “I don't know what my role is going to be (in the regular season). As far as what I know, I'm going to be a closer.”

Graves signs one-year deal with Reds Sheffield dealt to Atlanta for Jordan

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