DALLAS -- Reds general manager Dan O'Brien said he was scheduled to meet Wednesday morning with Barry Axelrod, the agent for free agent infielder Rich Aurilia. The club is interested in bringing Aurilia back next season.
Axelrod also represents right-hander Matt Morris, the top starting pitcher left on the free agent market. O'Brien was asked if Cincinnati would be interested in Morris, who has pitched for the Cardinals for the past eight seasons.
"The net is cast wide and far," O'Brien responded.
It does not appear optimistic that Reds free agent Jacob Cruz would be back next season. Talks have hit a road block since Cincinnati is only willing to offer a Minor League deal and Cruz wants a big-league contract.
"It doesn't look like it's going to happen, subject to him changing his mind," O'Brien said. "Quite honestly, we hope he does reconsider. He has a decision to make."
Cruz led the Major Leagues in 2005 with a club-record 20 pinch-hits and was a .236 hitter. Reds players and fans now have a date to circle on their calendars.
Reporting for duty: The club announced that pitchers and catchers will report to the City of Sarasota Sports Complex in Florida for Spring Training on Feb. 16. Position players are scheduled to report Feb. 22.
Cincinnati's Grapefruit League schedule begins March 2 vs. the Tigers at Lakeland, Fla. Its first game in Sarasota will be split-squad action March 3, also vs. Detroit.
The regular season begins April 3 against the Cubs at Great American Ball Park.