The Reds signed two players Tuesday they hope will contribute to the team in the future.

        Pitcher Lance Davis and outfielder Austin Kearns, both non-arbitration eligible players, agreed to one-year contracts for the 2002 season. Terms were undisclosed.

        Davis, who split time last season between Triple-A Louisville and the Reds, is expected to make the Reds' pitching staff with a strong showing in spring training.

        Davis, 25, went 7-2 with a 3.05 ERA and one complete game in 13 starts at Louisville last season and 8-4 with a 4.74 ERA and one complete game in 20 starts for the Reds.

        Kearns, one of the most celebrated minor-league players in the Reds system, will face an uphill fight to reach the majors this season.

        “Austin is a bit of a long shot,” said Reds assistant general manager Doc Rogers. “But so was Adam Dunn last year.”

        Kearns, a 21-year old Lexington native, hit .268 last season with six home runs, 36 RBI and seven stolen bases in 59 games at Double-A Chattanooga. He missed most of the season following surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb.

        Kearns was named the organization's top prospect this season by Baseball America for the second consecutive year.

Kearns, Davis sign 1-year deals Pirates sign Pokey Reds 2002 schedule

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