Reds Sign Patterson, Hairston Jr.

The Reds have signed Corey Patterson to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training, according to FOXSports.com. Patterson, who was originally seeking a multi-year deal, is reunited with former manager Dusty Baker. I think this could be a good deal for the Reds because of Patterson's experience against the NL Central. Patterson will likely be a fourth outfielder playing behind Jay Bruce and Adam Dunn in the outfield, but we could see him take the job if he plays well. The Reds also added former Cub and Dusty favorite Jerry Hairston Jr. Hairston Jr. will likely serve as a backup behind Brandon Phillips and Alex Gonzalez. Both players probably won't have much impact on the team, mostly because they do not have a starting job waiting for them. Nevertheless, it gives the Reds depth on their bench. I think this shows that Kenny Lofton was holding out for a major league deal and will not sign for anything less.