By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Out of work days before the start of a new season, Joey Hamilton pondered an uncertain future.

"It's kind of hard to sit out a year and come back," the 32-year-old veteran pitcher said. "There were a lot of thoughts running through my head. But retiring was definitely one of my thoughts."

The Cardinals signed Hamilton to a guaranteed contract in the offseason only to release him March 26, the final week of spring training.

The Reds signed Hamilton to a minor-league contract April 11, marking a return to the organization for the club's 2002 Opening Day starter.

Hamilton was 0-0 with a 9.00 ERA in two relief appearances through Wednesday for Triple-A Louisville.

"It's a situation where (the Reds) haven't told me anything, and I wouldn't expect them to," said Hamilton, who cannot be called up before May 1. "But I feel if I can do my job here, then it won't be long."

Hamilton won a spot on the Reds' roster after coming to camp as a non-roster invitee. In 39 appearances last season - 17 as a starter - he compiled a 4-10 record and a 5.27 ERA over 124 2/3 innings.

The Cardinals outbid Cincinnati for Hamilton during the offseason, signing him to a one-year deal worth $1.35 million ($300,000 of which was guaranteed). He had a 6.30 ERA in 10 innings upon his release.

"Going in, I really didn't feel like I was competing for a job, but obviously I was," he said. "Not that the results would've been much different, but it definitely would've made a difference knowing that."

HOT BATS: Through its first 12 games, Louisville led the International League with a .297 team batting average.

Five players with more than 30 at-bats - Jason Maxwell, Emil Brown, Wilton Guerrero, Corky Miller and Ryan Freel - were hitting .308 or better.

Guerrero had a seven-game hitting streak snapped Wednesday.

SLIP-SLIDING: Credited with having one of the top three farm systems as recently as 2001, Baseball America recently listed the Reds 24th in its annual minor-league rankings.

The Indians were No. 1, and Baltimore was 30th.

SHORT HOPS: Outfield prospect Stephen Smitherman drew 39 walks in 527 plate appearances with Single-A Stockton last season and had 11 in his first 45 with Double-A Chattanooga this season. ... Louisville pitcher Mark Watson got the Bats' first save of the season April 7 and first since Aug. 15, 2002. ... Single-A Potomac led the Carolina League with 24 errors through its first 11 games.

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E-mail kkelly@enquirer.com