The Reds are down to one.

        They settled the arbitration cases with Aaron Boone and Juan Encarnacion Friday, meaning only Scott Williamson's case could go to arbitration.

        Boone, who made $400,000, signed a one-year deal for $2.1 million. Encarnacion, who made $440,000 last year, signed a one-year deal for $1.5 million.

        Such is the nature of arbitration. Players are virtually guaranteed huge raises as soon as they become eligible. Boone is a three-year-plus player. So, he's compared to what three-year-plus players got in the past. In Boone's case, his numbers were compared to Dmitri Young's three years ago, when Young got $1.95 million. Young hit .300 with 14 home runs and 56 RBI in 127 games in 1999. Boone hit .294 with 14 homers and 62 RBI in 103 games last year.

        Encarnacion, who came to the Reds in a December trade for Young, hit .242 with 12 homers and 52 RBI in 120 games with the Detroit Tigers last year.

        The Reds were relieved to get the potential arbitration cases down to one.

        “Ten of 11 isn't bad,” Reds general manager Jim Bowden said.

        The Reds went into the offseason with 11 arbitration-eligible players and added one through a trade (Encarnacion).

        But with a month to go before spring training, only Williamson's case is unsettled. Williamson, who missed almost all of last year after “Tommy John” surgery on his right elbow, is seeking $600,000. The Reds are offering $400,000, the same amount Williamson made.

        The Reds spent most of the offseason trying to settle the arbitration cases so their payroll did not get out of control. Here's how the Reds got there: They traded three arbitration-eligible players (Young, Pokey Reese and Dennys Reyes), signed six to one-year deals (Boone, Encarnacion, Jose Silva, Danny Graves, Sean Casey, Elmer Dessens), signed two minor league deals (Jose Rijo and Joey Hamilton) and let one player go (Pete Harnisch). What it all means is the Reds' payroll is set for 2002. The payroll will be in the $44 to $45 million range depending on who makes the 25-man roster.

It's a pretty cool spot Analysis: Ticket price won't keep fans away Boone, Encarnacion ink deals Baseball notebook

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