Reds To Buy Out Veteran Reliever Stanton’s Contract

Manager Dusty Baker wants to win now. Friday morning, Baker said the Cincinnati Reds plan on cutting veteran reliever Mike Stanton, costing the team $3 million this season, plus a $500,00 buyout option in 2009.

Although the official announcement won’t be made until Opening Day, Baker said he spoke with Stanton early Friday morning to tell him of the decision.

On Saturday, Baker further delved into the Reds’ conclusion regarding the left-hander.

“That was the probably the toughest one I’ve ever had to do,” Baker said. “He just got back from a family emergency, and [you] find out you’re out of a job.”

Baker said Stanton was in a state of “shock” on Friday, but the Reds want to go with the best they can this season. Evidently, that doesn’t include Stanton.

The reliever had a 1-3 record last season with a 5.93 ERA. He signed a two-year deal in 2007 and had a one-year option for 2009.

Stanton didn’t do much to help his case in Spring Training, compiling a mediocre 4.50 ERA in six innings on the mound.

As of Saturday, the Reds have confirmed six of the seven bullpen spots. David Weathers, Jeremy Affeldt, Francisco Cordero, Todd Coffey, Kent Mercker and Jared Burton are all in. The final reliever could be announced following Saturday’s game, as Baker hinted that more cuts were on the brink, but he wanted to speak with each player first.

With Cincinnati’s decision to pay out Stanton’s contractual obligations, the club has shown they believe the past seven losing seasons won’t stretch to eight.

When asked what he liked most about the team coming out of Spring Training, Baker commended the mix of veteran and youth players.

“The guys are together,” he said. “They want to win.”

- Brittany Ghiroli, MLB.com