Reds Sign Manny Parra, Miguel Olivo

Major League teams continue to fill their rosters as they prepare for the beginning of the 2013 season and after the massive disappointing finishes the Cincinnati Reds have had to endure the last two seasons, they are trying to make sure they have the guys they want right from the get-go.

They bolstered their pitching staff over the weekend by adding free agent Manny Parra and increased depth at the catcher position as well by signing veteran Miguel Olivo.

The Reds agreed to a one-year deal with Parra worth $1 million. The 30-year old left-hander had spent all of his previous five years of service with the Milwaukee Brewers and will be staying in the NL Central after signing the new contract. He has faced some injury problems in the past, including missing the entire 2011 season with elbow and back problems, but came back healthy last season, making 42 total appearances – 16 starts and 26 in relief. Parra is 26-33 in his career with an ERA of 5.06.

Parra brings some versatility and options to the Reds, as he can be used as a starter, a long reliever or middle reliever. However, the team expects him to serve more innings in relief and has even included a potential $400,000 bonus if he is able to make 65 appearances in relief. He’ll make at least $50,000 extra if he makes it to 45 games.

The Reds cleared a roster spot for Parra by designating Todd Redmond for assignment.

Miguel Olivo

The team also added Miguel Olivo, signing him to a minor league contract for an undisclosed amount. Olivo is a .241 career hitter, but hit just .222 last season with the Seattle Mariners. Still, he adds plenty of experience to the Reds, playing in nearly 1,100 career games at catcher in the big leagues.

The Reds enter the season in eighth place in World Series futures odds at 14/1 and although these signings won’t drastically improve their chances, the team only needs slight improvements after coming oh-so close to making it to the Big Dance the last two years. Expect the Reds to very much in the hunt coming down the stretch and with some more veteran players, they’ll have a better chance to escape the divisional round and end their playoff woes.