By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The Reds angered many fans and players this week by trading four established players for eight minor-leaguers. But look closely at what the Reds did financially, and they could have set themselves up very well for next year.

Reds officials haven't described a plan; one possible scenario leaves enough room in next year's budget to pick up some noteworthy free agents. Here's how it would work:

The team just trimmed $9.1 million off a $60 million payroll by trading Aaron Boone, Scott Williamson, Gabe White and Jose Guillen. Another $9 million comes off the books when Barry Larkin's contract runs out after this season. The Reds could save another $4.1 million by not exercising options on the contracts of pitcher Scott Sullivan and catcher Kelly Stinnett and another $3.25 million by letting pitcher Ryan Dempster become a free agent.

Those subtractions, plus $5 million for raises for other players, would leave next year's payroll at about $40 million. If the budget calls for, say $55 million, the Reds could be looking for players on the free-agent market.

If the Reds can add some free agents to minor-leaguers they got in the trades, the team would go a long way toward being competitive.

"I think there's all kinds of opportunities for us to do things," said acting co-general manager Brad Kullman. "The way the industry is right now, there are going to be a lot of non-tendered players. There's really going to be two free-agent markets: One for the premium guys, one for the lower level guys who are looking for jobs."

A non-tendered player is one a team lets go to free agency, instead of offering arbitration.

Typically, the Reds bring in pitchers on minor-league contracts and hope one or two shine.

"We've kind of shaken the colander and hoped a few fell out," Kullman said.

"I think we can be more selective and do a little more.

"I don't think we'll be able to sign the Tommy Glavines. That's why the farm system is so important."

The key question is: What will the payroll be next year?

The year's payroll started at $60 million; the fact that the Reds went looking for cash and received it - trading Boone ($1 million) and Williamson ($1.25 million) - might indicate revenues fell short of projections.

Chief operating officer John Allen has said the budget has not been set, but that he did not anticipate "massive cuts."

Of the eight pitchers the Reds got in the four trades, two - Aaron Harang and Brandon Claussen - are close to being ready for the major leagues. Both were assigned to Louisville, but both could be with the Reds shortly.

Claussen, a 24-year-old left-hander, is considered one of baseball's best starting pitching prospects.

"He's the kind of guy you can anchor your rotation with for a long time," said Johnny Almaraz, one of the Reds' special assistants to the general manager.

"The two guys we got from Oakland, Harang and (Joe) Valentine, are close to the big leagues."

The Reds have $12 million committed to starting pitchers for next year in Danny Graves ($6 million), Jimmy Haynes ($2.5 million) and Paul Wilson ($3.5 million).

The Reds may be more willing to release one of them, particularly if Claussen and Harang pitch well in spring training.

But ultimately, the success of prospects obtained in this week's trades will determine how they are judged.

"They have a chance to be good baseball trades," Kullman said. "Obviously, when you trade for a player who is not an established major-leaguer, you're taking a chance that down the line he'll fill those expectations."

The Reds have refused to call what happened a "fire sale," a "salary dump" or even say that they are starting from scratch.

"How can you take a team with Ken Griffey Jr., Austin Kearns, Sean Casey and Adam Dunn and start from scratch?" Kullman said. "I don't think that's it. I think we're going to play exciting baseball the next two months and I think we're going to move forward in the future. I think it's going to translate to a lot of wins. I can't tell you how many. I can't guarantee anything."