By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

SARASOTA, Fla. - Chuck Finley and Kenny Rogers, two veteran left-handers who would fit nicely in the Reds' rotation, remain unemployed free agents. Neither is Sarasota-bound. As usual, the reason is money.

"Obviously, we'd love to have them," Reds general manager Jim Bowden said. "(But) It's unrealistic because of what their agents are asking."

HOT ARM: Jose Acevedo, a 25-year-old right-hander, comes into spring training ahead of the curve.

Acevedo topped off a solid season in winter ball by going 1-0 and allowing only seven hits with 15 strikeouts in 111/3 innings in two starts in the Caribbean World Series.

"I've got it going and I'm going to show it," Acevedo said.

Acevedo went 12-7 with a 3.20 ERA at Triple-A Louisville last year. He also had two stints with the Reds in which he struggled (4-2, 7.73 ERA).

ALL READY: All the pitchers passed their physicals Friday. Only Pete Harnisch (elbow surgery) and Chris Booker (shoulder surgery) won't participate in the regular drills in today's first workout.

"It's the first time in seven years that we didn't have to shut someone down," Reds medical director Dr. Tim Kremchek said.

MISSING: Three pitchers - Jose Rijo, Jose Rosado and Ricardo Aramboles - had not reported by Friday.

NUMBERS GAME: The Reds invited 34 pitchers to camp. With only two or three spots open, that seems like a few too many.

Two things inflate the number: young pitchers on the 40-man roster and minor-league free agents.

Both groups are long shots to make the club.