By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Manager Dave Miley said he's been pleased with spring training so far. The Cincinnati Enquirer/MICHAEL E. KEATING

SARASOTA, Fla. - Day One at Camp Miley was definitely different than the last three springs under manager Bob Boone.

There were new drills, a stricter schedule and heavy emphasis on the little things: bunting, fielding and situational hitting.

"A lot of preparation went into what we're going to do," Reds manager Dave Miley said. "We've got a program and schedule to set up to focus on what we want to stress."

So did the plan result in solid execution when pitchers, catchers and players returning from injury (42 in all) took to the field?

"It was a good first day," Miley said. "I didn't hear or see any quirks."

What started as a chilly, windy day warmed up nicely - to about 60 degrees - and there wasn't cloud in the sky.

Miley got a chance to see most of the pitchers throw, and said they're buying into pitching coach Don Gullett's plan and throwing strikes.

"They were pounding the zone pretty good," Miley said. "Gully's been stressing that from the get-go."

TAYLOR'S BACK: Reggie Taylor thought about going elsewhere when the Reds did not tender him a contract, making him a free agent.

But he decided to return to the club as a non-roster player with an invitation to big-league camp.

"I was just traded over here from Philadelphia two years ago," he said. "I didn't want to go to a new club every two years."

Another factor: Taylor is coming off Aug. 29 shoulder surgery. Reds medical director Dr. Tim Kremchek performed the surgery and the Reds' staff planned the rehab.

"I was familiar with them," Taylor said. "(Trainer) Mark Mann and (physical therapist) Tim Elser were really doing a great job with me."

The injury to John Vander Wal practically assures Taylor of a roster spot. Right now, Wily Mo Pena is the fourth outfielder.

"I don't look at it like (I have the team made)," Taylor said. "I've been fighting for a spot the last two years. I worked my butt off in rehab. I'm going to work hard to make the team."

Taylor, 27, will probably make then team on defensive skills alone. He hit .217 with five home runs and 19 RBI in 100 games last year.

PEPPER ADDED: A drill that's been added under new hitting coach Chris Chambliss is the old baseball staple of pepper.

Players work in groups of four. One player bats, and tries to hit to the remaining three players on an alternating basis.

"It's old school," Chambliss said. "But it works."

"It's a great tool," Miley said. "You work on bat control and the two-strike approach. There are a lot of things you can get out of it."

ONE DOTTED LINE: The Reds signed Matt Belisle, William Bergolla, Juan Cerros, Phil Dumatrait, Edwin Encarnacion, Josh Hall, Luke Hudson, Tim Hummel, D.J. Mattox and Brian Reith Thursday.

E-mail jfay@enquirer.com