Francis signs minor-league deal, goes to big camp

--LHP Jeff Francis and the Reds agreed to a one-year minor league contract with an invite to spring training. Francis can opt out on March 28.

--2B Brandon Phillips and the Reds have not discussed a contract extension since the winter meetings. Reds general manager Walt Jocketty hopes to resume talks during spring training.

--INF Billy Hamilton, the club's No. 2 prospect, will continue to play exclusively as shortstop this season. Hamilton played some second base his first two years in the organization. "Good shortstops are hard to find," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said.

--INF Chris Valaika was among the early arrivals at Reds' spring complex in Goodyear, Ariz. Valaika is coming off knee surgery.

--RHP Carlos Fisher was designated for assignment to make room on the roster for Ryan Ludwick. Fisher was 0-3 with a 4.50 ERA in 17 games for the Reds last year.

BY THE NUMBERS
276/.321/.600 -- Ryan Ludwick's hitting line in 105 at-bats at Great American Ball Park. He's hit one more home run in 254 more at-bats at San Diego's Petco Park.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"Playing in San Diego screwed me up. I'm not using that as an excuse or a crutch, but it turned me into a dead pull hitter. I got away from what I was as a hitter." -- OF Ryan Ludwick, on the switch from Petco Park as a home park to Great American Ball Park.

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