By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

SARASOTA, Fla. - Wily Mo Pena arrived at Reds camp Monday. He was not immediately awarded a free "Go To Opening Day Pass."

"He is the same as any other roster or non-roster outfield candidate," Reds general manager Dan O'Brien said. "He has to win a job on the Major League roster by virtue of his performance."

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Photos of Spring Training

Pena, a 22-year-old from the Dominican Republic, is aware there's a new GM in town.

"I'm ready to go," he said. "I came here with a clear mind. If I make the team, I go to Cincinnati. If I don't, I go down and play (in the minors)."

Because of Pena's contract situation, it isn't that simple. Pena signed a five-year, $3.7 million contract with the New York Yankees as a 17-year-old on April 5, 1999. He brought that contract with him when he was acquired for Drew Henson and Michael Coleman in spring training of 2001. That meant he was out of options by last season. The Reds couldn't ship him to the minors without first exposing him to waivers.

That's the case again this year.

Pena was viewed by former GM Jim Bowden as five-tool superstar waiting to happen. Bowden was convinced Pena could turn out to be the next Sammy Sosa.

The Reds kept him on the roster last year, although he clearly wasn't major-league ready. Pena had only three hits in 35 at-bats before the All-Star break. Pena got to play quite a bit after the break. But it was still basically a lost year.

Pena is competing with third-year outfielder Reggie Taylor, Reds' minor league player of the year Stephen Smitherman and sixth-year, minor league free agents Jermaine Clark and McKay Christensen for a roster spot. All but Smitherman are more experienced than Pena.

GRIFFEY MISSING: Ken Griffey Jr. was not at Monday's workout. Griffey witnessed an accident in Orlando in the offseason and had to return to appear in a court proceeding.

ALL BUT ONE: All the position players, except William Bergolla, had reported by mid-afternoon on Monday. Bergolla, a 20-year-old infielder from Venezuela, was expected to report before the midnight deadline.

SUCCESSFUL TRIP: Barry Larkin returned to camp Monday after going home to Orlando to coach his son, DeShane's, team in an 11-and-under AAU basketball tournament.

The team won the tourney.

HELD BACK: Phil Dumatrait, a 22-year-old left-hander, is being held back from throwing until he is examined by Dr. Tim Kremchek.

"It's just a precaution," Reds manager Dave Miley said.

Dumatrait was obtained, along with another left-hander, Tyler Pelland, from Boston in the Scott Williamson trade.

Dumatrait went 11-6 with a 3.11 ERA in Single-A last year.

WATSON BACK: Mark Watson, a 30-year-old left-hander who made two appearances for the Reds last season, was signed to a minor league contract. He'll report with the minor leaguers March 5. Watson was 4-4 with four saves for Triple-A Louisville. He allowed one run in two innings for the Reds.

---E-mail jfay@enquirer.com