MLB Free Agents 2012: 5 Players Cincinnati Reds Should Target

After winning the NL Central and earning a playoff berth in 2010, the Cincinnati Reds' 2011 campaign was awfully disappointing. 

Not only did Cincinnati fail to make the postseason, they also had to watch bitter rival St. Louis hoist the World Series trophy.

All is not lost, though, Reds fans. Cincinnati has a chance to rebuild this offseason and get back to their 2010 form.

Here are five free agents they should target to do just that.

David Aardsma: Closing Pitcher

Considering Francisco Cordero is no longer a Red and Cuban sensation Aroldis Chapman will be starting in 2012, Cincinnati is in need of a quality closer.

David Aardsma is never going to be Mariano Rivera, but he has recorded 268 strikeouts and 69 saves in his young career.

He's a functional closer at the very least, and after spending the past few seasons battling injuries in Seattle, a change of scenery along with a clean bill of health could do Aardsma some good.

Clint Barmes: 2B/SS

Edgar Renteria is on his way out and Brandon Phillips is getting older. The Reds could now use a solid utility infielder to back up both Phillips and shortstop Zack Cozart.

Clint Barmes is a veteran who has some pop at the plate, and he could likely be signed inexpensively, given his age.

He could also provide several Cincinnati starters with much-needed rest and be a valuable asset as the Reds attempt to climb back into the playoff picture.

Paul Maholm: Starting Pitcher

While his record wasn't particularly impressive last season, Pittsburgh's Paul Maholm could actually be a great fit in Cincinnati's starting rotation.

Great American Ballpark is one of the most homer-friendly ballparks in MLB, and Maholm is one of the league's best ground-ball pitchers.

In other words, he could keep the ball out of the seats and keep opponents from tacking up huge innings.

He would make a great fifth starter in Cincy and provide a veteran presence in the clubhouse.

Arthur Rhodes: Relief Pitcher

Should Arthur Rhodes continue his playing career after winning the World Series with St. Louis, Cincinnati would likely welcome him back with open arms.

Even at the age of 42, Rhodes is still a premier left-handed reliever. He would be a great addition to the Cincinnati bullpen, just as he was from 2009-2010.

The Reds' pitching staff seems to be getting younger and younger each year, and it could certainly use a veteran presence like Rhodes.

Dontrelle Willis: Starting Pitcher

If the Reds fail to bring in a top-tier starting pitcher, why not bring back the D-Train?

Willis actually pitched much better this season than his 1-6 record suggests, and he looked as sharp as he has in a long while.

He may never get back the dominant stuff he had in his younger days, but he still has serious potential and could be used as a spot starter if nothing else.