The Reds announced Wednesday they had signed newly acquired outfielder Melvin Nieves to a one-year contract that allowed the parties to avoid arbitration.
The Puerto Rico-born Nieves was picked up by the Reds six weeks ago in a trade with Detroit that turned minor-league catcher Paul Bako and right-handed pitcher Donne Wall into Tigers. Nieves, 25, will try to crack the Reds outfield (Reggie Sanders, Chris Stynes, Jon Nunnally).
Nieves hit 20 homers for the Tigers last year, but struck out 157 times in 359 at-bats. In his six years in the majors, he has 61 HR and 170 RBI in 375 games.
''Nieves has power,'' Reds General Manager Jim Bowden said when he made the trade. ''He strikes out too much - he needs to improve on that - but he adds good depth to our outfield.''
Nieves' signing means that Reds third baseman Willie Greene is the only player remaining on the club who is eligible for arbitration.
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