Jeff Francis Sent to Louisville To Start In Bats Rotation Final Roster Moves Monday

Lefthanded free agent pitcher, Jeff Francis, was sent to Triple A Louisville this morning.

"Francis is going to Triple A to start," Walt Jocketty said. "There still is a possibility he can pitch in the bullpen. We decided to send him there because we need to have a starter available if something happens (to other starters). He pitched well enough to be that guy. He pitched well except for that one outing (11 hits, 11 runs Monday vs Texas). He did very well to come back and pitch well enough yesterday."

The Reds still have not decided whether they would take 11 or 12 pitchers to Cincinnait.

"We have it pretty well figured out but we will probably have it ready for you by tomorrow morning," Jocketty said.

Of the Francisco trade Jocketty said that the good spring by Todd Frazier was a factor in the trade.

"Juan had a pretty good spring. We just didn't see him fitting on the club out of spring training, he was out of options. We decided to add pitching depth to the organization," Jocketty said.

"(J.J.) Hoover was a starter (in the Braves organization) until mid season. They put him in the bullpen and took off. We've had very good reports. We saw him again yesterday. He threw 92-94 yesterday. He's a sinker, slider guy, a late inning guy. He's young (24). He's got three options. He has a good arm, a power arm. It's a good combination."