The Reds added a bargain-basement veteran Monday when they signed Terry Pendleton to a minor-league contract. And General Manager Jim Bowden says he is not through shopping.
The Reds are still talking with agents for Danny Tartabull, Joe Oliver and Deion Sanders.
Depth at catcher and in the outfield are chief among Bowden's concerns. But he said no deal is imminent with any of the players.
''We're still very far apart on Tartabull and Oliver,'' Bowden said.
As for Sanders, the former Red and current Dallas Cowboy, Bowden said: ''He's still trying to decide if he wants to play baseball. I'd say it's a long shot.''
The Reds have only $1-2 million to spend because of their $30 million budget for player salaries. Because of that they had to be ''very creative,'' Bowden said, in structuring Pendleton's deal.
''Obviously, we got him below market value,'' Bowden said.
Pendleton is guaranteed $350,000, a source said. But if the Reds don't increase his pay to $600,000 by March 10, Pendleton is free to negotiate with other clubs until March 24.
If Pendleton does make the club, he may earn a lot more depending on his playing time. He would get bonuses of $1,851.82 for each game played and $3,395.06 for each game started. If the Reds increase his base to $600,000, the bonus for games started would be reduced to $3,086.42.
Pendleton, a 36-year-old switch-hitter, played last year with the Florida Marlins and Atlanta Braves. He hit .238 with 11 home runs and 75 RBI.
''He gives us a right-handed hitting third baseman, something we didn't have last year,'' Bowden said. ''He gives us depth at third base. He brings leadership and intangibles.''
Willie Greene is still Bowden's third baseman.
''But competition is great,'' Bowden said. ''Willie Greene hit 19 home runs and drove in 69 last year. If he continues that, no one's going to beat him out.''
Pendleton, a 13-year veteran, was the National League Most Valuable Player in 1991. Pendleton, who came up with the St. Louis Cardinals, has played in five World Series.
''He's been in the playoffs more than anyone the last few years. That's underrated in baseball,'' Bowden said. ''He's a winner. He'll have a very positive' effect on younger players.''
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