Former Cardinals outfielder joins rival Cincinnati

Former Cardinals GM Walt Jocketty continues to recycle one time Redbirds in Cincinnati.  Outfielder Ryan Ludwick his latest acquisition.

(AP) Ryan Ludwick and the Cincinnati Reds agreed to a $2.5 million, one-year contract Monday, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. 

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday night because the deal was pending a physical and no announcement had been made by the team.

An All-Star in 2008 with St. Louis, the 33-year-old Ryan Ludwick was traded from San Diego to Pittsburgh at the July 31 deadline last season. He batted a combined .237 with 13 homers and 75 RBIs.

Ludwick could give the Reds the right-handed bat they've been seeking to complement lefty sluggers Joey Votto  and Jay Bruce. He figures to see playing time in left field, a spot filled mostly by Chris Heisey down the stretch last season after Cincinnati traded Jonny Gomes to Washington in late July.

It's the latest move in a busy offseason for the aggressive Reds, who had previously been focused on pitching. Cincinnati acquired starter Mat Latos and left-handed reliever Sean Marshall in separate trades before reaching an oral agreement on an $8.5 million, one-year contract with free-agent closer Ryan Madson.

Ludwick had a $6,775,000 salary last year.

Clay Zavada signs with Cincinnati

Courtesy: Justin Walker

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KFVS) - Former Southern Illinois Miners pitcher Clay Zavada signs a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds.

Zavada has 49 career Major League appearances, all in relief for Arizona in 2009 (3-3 with a 3.35 era). 

He spen last year with the Diamondbacks' AA affiliate in Mobile.

Zavada was involved in (what many believe to be) the first player for player trade between a Major League team and an unafilliated team.

He was sent from the SI Miners to the Arizona Diamondbacks for first baseman Brad Miller.

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