CINCINNATI -- Scott Hatteberg agreed to a one-year, $750,000
contract Sunday with Cincinnati, giving the Reds more flexibility at first base.
Hatteberg batted .256 with seven homers and 59 RBI last season
for Oakland, which declined his contract option for 2006. The
Athletics decided to stick with Dan Johnson at first base.
Hatteberg can make an additional $250,000 in performance
bonuses, based upon plate appearances.
The Reds traded first baseman Sean Casey to Pittsburgh for
left-handed starter Dave Williams in the offseason. They plan to
move left fielder Adam Dunn to first base, opening the way for
outfielders Austin Kearns and Wily Mo Pena to play alongside center
fielder Ken Griffey Jr.
Wayne Krivsky was interested in Hatteberg even before he was
hired as the Reds' general manager last Wednesday.
"We wanted to add to our depth," Krivsky said by phone. "This
guy's a true professional, somebody I've had my eye on in the
offseason here in the event I did get this job. The playing time will take care of itself."
Krivsky also made several more moves to rearrange the front
office, bringing in two executives and changing the
responsibilities of two others.
The Reds hired Bob Miller from the Arizona Diamondbacks as
director of baseball administration. They also hired Scott Nethery
from the New York Mets as a special assistant for player personnel.
International scouting director Johnny Almaraz, one of eight
candidates who interviewed for the general manager's job, had his
role changed to director of player development and international
operations.
Tim Naehring, who was director of player development, replaced
Bob Miscik as minor league field coordinator.
Miller was with Arizona for the last seven years, as director of
baseball operations and as assistant general manager. Nethery was
with Atlanta for 13 years, and was a special assistant with the
Mets last season.
"Bob is a real experienced guy in terms of administration and
rules, and has significant experience in player development," Krivsky said. "He's worn three or four different hats.
"In covering the National League [for the Twins] the last 11
years, I'd see Scott a lot on the road. We've gotten to be very
good friends, and I respect his judgment."
Last week, Krivsky fired major league operations director Brad
Kullman, his first move in reshaping the front office.