By Kevin Kelly
Enquirer staff writer
With roster flexibility and bullpen reconfiguration in mind, the Reds announced two personnel decisions Wednesday.
Cincinnati declined a $1.925 million mutual option on relief pitcher Gabe White for the 2005 season.
The 32-year-old veteran thus becomes eligible for free agency.
The team also released pitcher Josh Hall, who pitched in six games for the Reds during the 2003 season but missed all of last season following shoulder surgeries.
"The decision in regards to not only Gabe, but also Josh does not close the door to either individual possibly returning," Reds general manager Dan O'Brien said Wednesday evening.
The Reds could, in theory, attempt to re-sign White to a less expensive contract and Hall to a minor-league deal.
Acquired in a June trade with the Yankees, White went 1-2 with one save and a 6.23 ERA in 40 appearances with the Reds last season.
White, who was in his third stint with the Reds, is 34-26 with a 4.55 ERA in 10 major-league seasons.
Hall, a seventh-round draft pick by the Reds in 1998, missed all of last season after undergoing two shoulder procedures.
He made his major-league debut against the Giants on Aug. 2, 2003, at Great American Ball Park, and pitched in six games overall that season with a 0-2 record and a 6.57 ERA.
Doctors repaired a torn labrum in his right shoulder in September 2003, and in July he underwent another procedure to remove scar tissue from the shoulder.
STENSON UPDATE: The police investigation into the slaying of Reds outfielder Dernell Stenson on Nov. 5, 2003, is complete.
Chandler (Ariz.) police detectives, according to a statement released Wednesday, concluded that robbery was the motive.
Reginald Riddle and David Griffith are awaiting trial in Arizona on charges of homicide, kidnapping and robbery. Kevin Riddle, a half-brother of Reginald, also remains in custody on one count of possession of stolen property and two counts of hindering an investigation.
ETC: Head trainer Mark Mann was given a two-year contract extension by the Reds. Assistant trainer Tim Elser was signed to a one-year contract.
• John Walker was named minor-league rehabilitation coordinator.
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