By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Reds brought 14 non-roster pitchers to camp. Most were biding time until minor league camp opened. But four of the 14 were very much in the Reds' plans, assuming they pitched like the Reds thought they were capable of.

The Reds confirmed that Sunday by putting Jimmy Anderson, Felix Heredia, Kent Mercker and Josias Manzanillo on the roster.

"We said at the beginning of spring that they were non-roster guys because of administrative reasons," Reds general manager Jim Bowden said. "They were big league players with big league track records."

The Reds trimmed their roster to 29 by optioning right-handed pitchers Jeff Austin and Seth Etherton to Triple-A Louisville.

The only surprise in the group is Anderson, a 27-year-old left-hander. Anderson was 8-13 with a 5.44 ERA last year with the Pittsburgh Pirates. But he has been the Reds' best starter this spring. He won the battle for the No. 5 starter in a walk.

"He's been a surprise," Reds general manager Jim Bowden said. "His sinker is very good. He gets a lot of groundballs, which is good for the new stadium."

The Reds were able to sign Anderson and others to minor league contracts because few teams were offering major-league deals to free agents.

"It was rough out there, trying to find a job," Anderson said.

He had four or five offers - none of them for a major-league contract. He chose the Reds because of the open fifth starter's spot.

"I knew I had to come in and pitch well to make the team," Anderson said.

Manzanillo, Mercker and Heredia were counted on from the beginning.

The only question was Manzanillo's health. He has been fine physically, and he's been dominating. He's pitched nine innings, allowing only two hits and four walks, striking out 10.

"Manzanillo was coming off injury last year, but he's looked like the pitcher who was successful in 2000 and 2001," Bowden said.

Manzanillo, a 35-year-old right-hander, was 5-4 with a 3.38 ERA in 2000 and '01 with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

"I have shown them I am that man again," Manzanillo said.

Mercker and Heredia, along with Gabe White, will give the Reds three left-handers in the bullpen.

"That's something we haven't had in a long time," Bowden said.

Heredia, 27, was 1-2 with 3.61 ERA with Toronto last year.

Mercker, 35, was 3-1 with a 6.14 ERA with the Colorado Rockies. But he was 1-0 with a 4.12 ERA and held left-handers to a .103 average before a line drive broke his left hand.

"He certainly looks like the pitcher before his injury last year," Bowden said.

With the four veterans, the Reds will have the luxury of not rushing their young pitchers.

"We're very pleased (with Anderson, Heredia, Manzanillo and Mercker)," Bowden said. "They're going to be an important part of our pitching staff."

The Reds are down to 13 pitchers. The final spot in the rotation will go to Chris Reitsma or Paul Wilson. The Reds will have a better idea which after Wilson throws a simulated game today.

If Wilson does well and the Reds feel he can be ready for the April 6 start - the first time the Reds need a fifth starter - he'll get the nod.

In that case, Reitsma will likely start the year at Louisville.

If it doesn't look like Wilson will be ready, he'll start the year on the disabled list and Reitsma will start April 6.