Brandon

Claussen

Considering that Claussen missed a year due to Tommy John surgery, we wouldn’t be surprised to see him awarded another option year prior to the start of spring training, allowing the Reds to return him to the minors. Aaron Harang and Luke Hudson are the favorites for the final two spots in the Cincinnati rotation. Josh Hancock is also in the mix.

The top three spots belong to Eric Milton, Paul Wilson, and Ramon Ortiz. Aaron Harang has a good shot to be the No. 4. Claussen, Luke Hudson, Josh Hancock, and maybe even Jose Acevedo and Jeriome Robertson are battling for the No. 5 job.

Claussen, Luke Hudson and Josh Hancock are all out of options, so the Reds could have some tough decisions to make at the end of spring training. Our guess is that Hudson is the fifth starter, Claussen opens in middle relief and Hancock gets placed on waivers.

Either Al Reyes or Jason Anderson is expected to be on the move.

While manager Joe Torre would like Weaver in the rotation, the one thing he promises won’t happen is Claussen going to the bullpen. Nor does he want to see the 24-year-old traded, not with David Wells and Roger Clemens both over 40. Weaver is looking more and more like someone who could be traded once Jose Contreras is healthy.

Owner George Steinbrenner isn’t happy that the Red Sox beat the Yankees out in the competition, and he has ordered GM Brian Cashman to join him in Florida today and come up with a significant move or two before the deadline.

Randy Keisler spoiled the shutout by giving up four runs in the ninth. Claussen walked five batters, so he wasn’t able to go for the shutout himself. He’s won three straight starts since getting bombed by the Cubs and Brewers in back-to-back outings.

The two terrible starts after the All-Star break took a heavy toll on Claussen’s ERA, but he’s allowed three earned runs or fewer in 16 of his 21 starts. Overall, he’s 8-8 with a 4.50 ERA.

Claussen’s rehab assignment is due to end later this week, but it doesn’t seem like he’s ready to rejoin the rotation. The Reds might keep starting Kyle Lohse.

Claussen is scheduled for season-ending shoulder surgery next week.