Cincinnati Reds Send Closer Francisco Cordero to the Market

Monday the Cincinnati Reds' and general manager Walt Jocketty declined Francisco Cordero's 2012 option.

Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reported in his article "Red's pick up Phillips' option, Decline Cordero's"  that there is a possibility three of the Reds five free agents (catcher Roman Hernandez, left-hander Dontrelle Willis and short-stop Edgar Renteria) will come back. He also reported Jocketty is willing to talk about a deal with Cordero but that he should check the market.

"We told them he should go out and check the market and see," Jocketty said. "We can talk again."

Sounds as though the Reds and Jocketty may be counting on talented prospect Brad Boxberger to take over as the Reds closer. Boxberger enjoyed a very successful 2011 season posting 11 saves with a 2.03 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in 62 2/3 innings of work between AA Carolina and AAA Louisville. In addition, he recorded 93 strikeouts in those 62 2/3 innings. Currently he is pitching for the Phoenix Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League.

In addition to declining Cordero's option the Reds outrighted relievers Jared Burton and Daryl Thompson to AAA Louisville. They attempted to outright left-hander Matt Maloney but he was claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Twins.