By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The Reds exchanged salary numbers with Chris Reitsma, the club's only remaining arbitration-eligible player.

The Reds are offering $950,000; Reitsma countered at $1.45 million. Reitsma, a 26-year-old right-hander, made $350,000 last year, when he went 9-5 with a 4.29 ERA and eight saves.

"We're still hopeful we can reach a settlement," said Michael Paolercio, one of Reitsma's representatives.

The hearing date will be set Thursday. The Reitsma numbers indicate the Reds will have between $42.25 million and $42.75 million committed to 13 players, counting the deferred portion of Ken Griffey Jr.'s $12.5 million salary. Two unsigned players, Adam Dunn and Austin Kearns, figure to make about $1 million between them, and the other 10 players will make around the major-league minimum of $300,000.

That puts the Reds' payroll at $46.25 million to $47.25 million - down significantly from last year's Opening Day payroll of $59.3 million.