Homer Bailey Close To Longterm Tie With Reds

Homer Bailey does not even own a tie.  He even refused a clip-on from one of the writers, who was required to wear a clip-on tie at Xavier games.

If his case goes to arbitration with the Reds on Thursday, February the 20th, he will need to buy a suit.

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"We have the major details worked out," Bailey said.  "If we can't work them out, I guess I'll have to go buy a suit."

The Reds and Bailey are close to signing a multi-year deal.

"It feels like we're really close," Bailey said.  "This has been a long, drawn-out deal."

It has been reported that Bailey submitted a figure around $11.6 million and the Reds submitted $8.7 million.  There is no compromise by the arbitrator.  They must chose one of the two figures.  It is a painful process where the team has to basically insult its player on the record to make the case for their lower figure.

Manager Bryan Price is excited that Bailey is close. Looking at the white board with the names of all the players on his roster, "That's a great group," Price said.  "Look at that rotation.  Five guys are between the ages of 25 and 28.  Who wouldn't be excited to see that group together for a long while?"

Baseball economics may make it difficult to keep them together.  The Reds last went to arbitration in 2004 when the Reds won their case against Chris Reitsma.

Mat Latos avoided arbitration last spring by signing a two-year deal which ends after this season.

Bailey's signing would benefit Latos in negotiations.

The Reds have Johnny Cueto, who signed a four-year deal prior to the 2011 season, tied up through 2015 with a team option.

Mike Leake will be eligible for arbitration next season.  Tony Cingrani, who is expected to be the fifth starter, won't be eligible for arbitration for at least two more seasons.

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