DaytonDailyNews.com

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Dusty Baker didn't mention his name, but relief pitcher Mike Stanton is the only guy in the bullpen who fits the description. He is signed to a guaranteed $3 million contract with a $500,000 buyout.

If the Reds can't trade him, they have to keep him or pay him $3.5 million to walk away jobless.

"It's not my money, but you hope that is not the determining factor," said Baker. "That's the way it is in baseball or any business — they want to stay within a budget."

Baker talks as if he'd like to keep three left-handers in the bullpen — Jeremy Affeldt, Bill Bray and Kent Mercker. If Stanton can't be dealt or isn't released, Bray has options left.

Affeldt came to camp trying to win a rotation job, but was quickly moved to the bullpen and has struggled, posting a 12.51 earned run average.

"We're a bit concerned because he has been giving it up, but you have to consider his track record," said Baker. "He is almost throwing too many strikes. Earlier he was in a rut of not throwing enough strikes. We have to get him throwing quality strikes and getting him comfortable and confident.

"Jeremy tends to worry and analyze a lot of stuff," Baker added. "He has to get to the point, 'As simple as possible.' You can see this guy wears it all over his face. You'd rather have that than a guy who doesn't care and he cares big-time."

The Philadelphia Phillies are desperately searching for a left-handed relief pitcher and would give the Reds third baseman/first baseman Wes Helms, making $2.1 million this year.

Volquez vs. Bailey

The comparison (if you want to call it that) between Edinson Volquez and Homer Bailey after Volquez pitched five innings Tuesday and gave up one run, five hits, walked one and struck out five:

Volquez has pitched 20 innings to 19 for Bailey. Earned run average: Volquez 2.70, Bailey 5.21. Walks: Volquez 4, Bailey 16. Strikeouts: Volquez 26, Bailey 11.

Of Volquez, Baker said, "I like his mound presence and poise. And he changes his pattern on first pitches — fastballs, breaking balls, changeups — you never know what you'll get."

Gil to minors

One more player was extracted from the major-league clubhouse Tuesday when infielder-outfielder Jerry Gil was sent to minor-league camp, leaving 36 players still in camp — 11 over the limit with six days left before Opening Day.

"He needs to play because he didn't play at all last year (injury) and he realizes he needs at-bats and needs to play," said Baker. "He is going to be a player, a very good player."

Gil most likely will be at Class AAA Louisville, in the outfield with Jay Bruce and Chris Dickerson.

"They are going to have some outfield at Louisville," said Baker. "Boy, you look at that potential outfield and, whew, gosh — some good arms, some speed. That outfield should be the best around (in the minors)."

Quote of the day

Equipment manager Rick Stowe, observing with a smile how the Reds are making cuts one and two at a time: "It's like Noah's Ark. They trickle out of here two-by-two."