The Reds shored up its outfield depth on Monday as they signed free agent centerfielder Corey Patterson to a minor-league deal.  Tired of waiting for a lucrative offer, Patterson takes a shot with Cincinnati where he should have a decent shot at starting in center.  At least with the Reds he will likely get the opportunity to show he still has values.

The signing likely means that the highly-touted Jay Bruce will most likely start the season in Louisville. Bruce is only 20 years old and the Reds don't want to rush him to much. Keep in mind last year at this time he was gearing up for A ball. Any of this is far from a given, as Patterson will have to earn the spot.

Bruce is day-to-day after leaving Sunday's game with what the team is calling a mild left quad strain. 

Patterson was a one-time blue-chip prosepct of the Cubs and the Reds' new manager Dusty Baker knows what to expect from him.  Unfortunately for the Reds, Patterson is left-handed.  If he does win the job in centerfield this would give the Reds three left-handed-hitting outfielders (Ken Griffery Jr, Adam Dunn). Patterson has a nice combination of speed and power and could solve the team's search for a lead-off hitter and there's no doubt he will benefit from playing in Great American Ballpark. 

Patterson hit .269 with 8 HR's and 45 RBI's in 461 at bats in 2006 for the Orioles, just his second season in Baltimore. He had 37 steals in just 132 games.  In 2004, his last full season as a starter, put great numbers for Baker in Chicago - .266, 24 HR's, 72 RBI's, and 32 SB's.

The team also signed free-agent second basemen Jerry Hairston Jr to a minor-league deal. He hit .189 in 159 at bats for the Rangers last season.

"Patterson will come in and compete for the center field job," Reds GM Wayne Krivsky told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "Hairston is another versatile guy that can play infield/outfield. Patterson is 28 and Hairston is 31. They've got some experience, but we gave them no guarantees. They'll come in and compete."