Chris

Booker

The numbers indicate they should, as he’s 8-3 with a 2.40 ERA for Louisville, with opponents hitting just .208 off him. He’s also striking out 1.35 batters an inning.Look for him to possibly exchange places on the 40-man roster with Ben Weber in September.

Booker is coming back from shoulder surgery. He cleared waivers, so he’ll remain in Cincinnati’s minor league system.

Booker allowed three runs -- two earned -- in one-third of an inning in his first appearance, so he needs to settle down soon in order to keep getting work. He walked three and gave up two homers, the second a grand slam, against the Brewers today.

Booker, 28, finished with a 2.49 ERA and a 91/28 K/BB ratio in 65 IP for Louisville, numbers that should earn him a long look from the Reds. A strong finish would make him a top candidate for a spot in next year’s pen.

He declined the assignment and opted for free agency. The Reds expected better from Booker after an outstanding year in Triple-A, but he was lit up in his first two appearances after being called up and he pitched just once after Sept. 7. He still figures to receive a lot of interest as a minor league free agent.

Booker had eight wins, 20 saves and a 2.45 ERA for Triple-A Louisville this season. “We encouraged (Booker), procedurally, to elect free agency so there’s no limitations for them to re-sign with us if that’s what (he) elects to do,” said Reds general manager Dan O’Brien.

''Me and my agent were talking about it the other day, and I told him, ‘I can’t worry about what they do,’' Booker said. ''They’re the front office, and whenever they feel it’s time to come up, they’ll call me. ''Until then, I’ve got to worry about my job down here instead of worrying about up there. I’m just trying to keep my focus here.’' Nice. The Rockies should hook him up with Shawn Chacon.

Munoz’s strong showing in Triple-A wasn’t enough to get him claimed, at least not after he walked seven in 5 1/3 innings in the majors last month. Bacsik was 5-8 with a 5.11 ERA in 20 starts and nine relief appearances this season. Both he and Simontacchi could compete for rotation spots next spring if they’re willing to take minor league contracts.

Booker should get into a game before the end of the camp. He’ll be assigned to Triple-A Louisville later this month.

Booker pitched a total of an inning in three appearances for the Nats, giving up two runs. Both came while he took the loss last night against the Phillies.