Reds mailbag hits on Homer Bailey and Josh Hamilton

Could the Reds use Homer Bailey as a closer for a year -- similar to Jonathan Papelbon in Boston last year -- then put him in the rotation in 2008?
-- Jeff R., Dayton, Ohio

The Reds have made it pretty clear that if Bailey comes up next season, it would be as a starter. It's what he's always done, and it's not as though closing games is a walk in the park compared with starting. The ninth inning is big-time pressure for a younger player. Papelbon performed well in that role, but he is also five years older than Bailey.

Keep this in mind, too: Papelbon missed the last month of the season with a sore shoulder and wants to be in the rotation. I'd stick with the current program for Bailey if I had a say in his development -- which, clearly, I do not. I'm not a Major League GM, nor do I play one on TV.

Speaking of Bailey, it came as no surprise that his name was brought up during daily sessions with general manager Wayne Krivsky and manager Jerry Narron. The top prospect is going to get a shot at competing for the fifth starter's spot during Spring Training, but that shot is viewed a long one.

"Unless something really unforeseen happens, he'd start the year in Triple-A," Narron said.

Two questions: Did the Reds lose anyone in the Rule 5 Draft? Does Josh Hamilton have a chance to be a starter this year? Or is he more of a David Ross/Brandon Phillips type, where they took a shot and hope he works out?
-- Chris E., St. Bernard, Ohio

Answering the second question first, the Reds' scouting reports had enough information that they felt confident acquiring Phillips and Ross would pay dividends. Most scouting reports on Hamilton are more than four years old or older, but when he was drafted No. 1 overall by the Devil Rays, he reportedly had a left-handed power stroke that could have made him a superstar by now. But because of his personal issues, he's only played 15 games in Class A over the past four years. Now 25, he's missed important developmental years and will need to catch up. Starting in the outfield this season is not a realistic expectation.

Basically, the Reds took a $50,000 gamble, plus some extra cash to the Cubs, that Hamilton might show them something. They can get $25,000 back if he doesn't. Many Major League Rule 5 picks are returned to their old clubs.

In addition, the Reds did not lose a player in the Rule 5 Draft.

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