By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

When the Reds signed free agent John Vander Wal earlier this month, they envisioned him helping the team off the bench.

Now there's a chance he might not get off it this season.

The proven pinch-hitter, who signed a one-year contract worth $700,000 Jan. 12, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Tuesday at Beacon Orthopaedics Surgery Center in Sharonville. Vander Wal slipped on ice while shoveling snow at his Grand Rapids, Mich., home over the weekend.

"I went over to the hospital (Tuesday) to visit with John," Reds general manager Dan O'Brien said. "He was disappointed, to say the least."

O'Brien and team medical director Dr. Timothy Kremchek, citing new government regulations, could not comment specifically on the extent of Vander Wal's injury.

The injury is believed to be a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, which could require a prolonged rehabilitation.

O'Brien said it was "to be determined" whether Vander Wal would be ready for spring training. Calls to Vander Wal's agent, Tommy Tanzer, were not returned.

"He is rehabbing and we'll know more about the prognosis in the next few days," Kremchek said. "We'll know more about timetables and playing and how he's doing and will be able to give more information in the next few days."

The Reds signed Vander Wal, 37, in part because of his ability to play all three outfield positions and first base.

The 13-year veteran batted .257 with 14 home runs and 45 RBI in 117 games with the Brewers last season.

He is fifth on the all-time pinch-hit list with 124 and third all-time with 17 pinch-hit home runs.

"This is one of those circumstances that is beyond everybody's control," O'Brien said. "It's a very freakish type of injury.

"Nobody feels worse than John. But we all understand."

SMITHERMAN HONORED: The Reds on Wednesday announced outfielder Stephen Smitherman as their 2003 Minor League Player of the Year.

Smitherman, 25, was presented the Sheldon "Chief" Bender Award at the La Salle High stag.

A 23rd-round draft choice in 2000, whom Baseball America ranks as the Reds' seventh-best prospect, Smitherman spent much of the season at Double-A Chattanooga.

He batted .310 with 19 home runs in 105 games and was named to the Southern League's all-star team.

"I'll take it and look at it as another step toward my ultimate goal," Smitherman said. "It's not only an honor for me, but it's an honor for my entire family."

The Reds recalled Smitherman twice last season - he made his major-league debut July 1 - and he batted .159 with one homer and six RBI in 21 games.

Between his stints in Cincinnati, Smitherman also appeared in 17 games at Triple-A Louisville.

He finished the season tied for third in home runs (19), fourth in RBI (78) and ninth in hitting (.283) among Reds minor-leaguers.

Reds chief operating officer John Allen, O'Brien, director of development Tim Naehring, manager Dave Miley and pitchers Cory Lidle and Brandon Claussen also attended the La Salle stag.

AT AN IMPASSE: The Reds and representatives for pitcher Chris Reitsma continue to have discussions, but it appears the sides will be unable to reach an agreement before their scheduled arbitration hearing Feb. 5 in Phoenix.

Reitsma's agents are asking for $1.45 million, while the Reds are offering $950,000.

"I still am not overly optimistic about our chances for a resolution," O'Brien said. "Both sides seem to be equally anchored in their respective positions. But time will tell."

Reitsma made $350,000 last season and led the Reds with nine wins. He finished 9-5 with a 4.29 ERA and 12 saves.

NO JOSE: Reds spring training will open next month without a familiar face.

Veteran pitcher Jose Rijo is not expected to be among the non-roster players invited to camp.

"At this particular juncture," O'Brien said, "that is not in our plans."

Rijo underwent his sixth elbow surgery in March and in June said he was experiencing pain in a different area of his right elbow.

"The only thing I'm aware of is his main focus continues to be the operation (of his baseball academy) in the Dominican," O'Brien said. "My understanding is that he's going to devote his efforts on a full-time basis."

JOB FAIR: The Reds will hold a job fair from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 7 and from 4-7 p.m. Feb. 11-12 at Great American Ball Park. The team seeks employees to work security, tickets, ballpark operations and merchandising. Candidates can enter the ballpark through the Crosley Terrace entrance.