By Kevin Kelly
Enquirer staff writer
Veteran relief pitcher Ricky Stone, a Hamilton High graduate, was one of three players the Reds signed to minor-league contracts and invited to major-league spring training Monday.
Pitcher Brian Rose and outfielder Rob Stratton, who were in the Reds' farm system last season, also signed.
Stone, a 29-year-old right-hander, is 11-9 with a 4.26 ERA in 192 career major-league appearances with the Astros and Padres. San Diego claimed Stone off waivers from Houston in mid-June, and went 1-1 with a 6.89 ERA in 27 games. During the 2002 and 2003 seasons, Stone appeared in 143 games and was 9-7 with a 3.65 ERA, 19 holds and two saves.
Rose split last season between Triple-A Louisville and Double-A Chattanooga. The 28-year-old went 13-5 with a 3.30 ERA in 24 starts and two relief appearances.
In 34 games at Louisville last season, Stratton batted .353 with 12 home runs and 34 RBI.
ODDS AND ENDS: Reds manager Dave Miley will be the featured guest speaker at the Elder High Stag Thursday. For tickets, call (513) 471-7001 . . . The first "Hot Stove League" show of the offseason airs at 6 p.m. Wednesday on WLW-AM (700).
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