Tom Reich, the agent for Aaron Boone, was back at the Reds camp Sunday. He also visited Thursday.

        While he said nothing is about to happen, he did say the Reds are serious about signing players like Boone. Boone and reliever Danny Graves are the next of the core players to reach free agency.

        The Reds signed Sean Casey to a three-year deal Friday.

        “(The Reds) are trying to send a signal that they are thinking progressively,” Reich said. “This is an organization with a serious pedigree. I don't think they want to deviate from that. They're going to sign their keepers, lock up guys at reasonable prices.”

        “It's safe to say we're trying to sign our young players to long-term contracts,” Reds General Manager Jim Bowden said. “Sean Casey is the only one so far who's met our criteria.”

        NO RAIN:

        The Reds finally were able to get on the field and take groundballs Sunday. After two days of rain, it was in the mid-70s and sunny.

        But because of the heavy rain Friday and Saturday, only the field at Ed Smith Stadium was usable. It had been under a tarp.

        The Reds have a short day today. They have the annual Reds Rally in downtown Sarasota at 11 a.m.

        The pitchers will work out before it. The hitters will come back and take batting practice afterward.

        PITCHING LINEUP:

        Elmer Dessens, as expected, will start the exhibition opener Wednesday against the Minnesota Twins in Fort Myers. Dessens will throw 40 to 45 pitches. Graves will follow.

        The Reds will use four groups of starts to allow them to get their work in.

        Lance Davis will start the home opener against the New York Yankees Thursday. He'll be followed by Brian Bohanon and Luke Hudson. Chris Reitsma will start Friday, followed by Joey Hamilton and Ty Howington. Jimmy Haynes will start Saturday, followed by Jose Acevedo.

        All pitchers on the starting plan will throw 40 to 45 pitches the first outing.

        Relievers will go an inning every other day.

        STARS TO SIT:

        Reds manager Bob Boone said he may hold his top players out of the first couple of exhibition games because the rain has kept the players from getting much work in game conditions.

        LEADOFF:

        Boone said he will continue to discuss who will bat lead off.

        “We'll experiment,” he said. “It will probably be (Barry) Larkin or (Todd) Walker. Some depends on where (Adam) Dunn hits. We talk about it every day.”

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