Steve

Reed

And they wouldn’t have to give up Jason Bay for him this time. If Orber Moreno and Scott Strickland were guaranteed to be healthy, Reed would be overkill. As is, the Mets could probably use him. Given that Reed has a 3.11 ERA over the last four years -- the last two in Coors Field -- there should be much more interest in him.

Reed certainly could have done better than this elsewhere, but he wanted to stay in Colorado. This means we have take back our comment that declining his option was a stupid move. It actually saved the Rockies $225,000. Reed will make $600,000 in 2004. The $650,000 mutual option for 2005 contains a $25,000 buyout.

Reed said the mistake lingered because it was transferred from media guide to media guide over the past 12 years. “I think I know when I was born,” Reed said with a wry smile. “I wasn’t trying to get away with anything.” An extra year won’t hurt Reed, who has never been on the DL and remains an effective reliever and the Rockies’ career leader in appearances and ERA.

Reed’s suspension dates back to June 6, when he was ejected for arguing balls and strikes.

Just so he can pitch at home, Reed has spent the last two years pitching for an organization that has no real appreciation of just how good he is. He was only the team’s best reliever this year, finishing with a 3.68 ERA in 65 appearances, and he was even better in 2003. Not wanting to pay $650,000 for him demonstrates why the Rockies are looking at a future of fourth-place finishes. Reed turns 40 in March, so it’s uncertain whether he’ll want to continue his career elsewhere.

If Arizona signs Reed, perhaps Mike Koplove, who was set to go to the Dodgers in the three-team Randy Johnson deal, will find his way into another transaction. The two relievers are very similar.

Another solid option for the Baltimore pen. Reed has a 3.11 ERA over the last four years.

Reed gets a $900,000 salary this year, and the deal includes a $1.25 million mutual option for 2006 with a $150,000 buyout. He also can earn $250,000 in performance bonuses.

Reed is 39 years old, but there’s little reason to think he’ll suddenly lose it this year. The Orioles could trade Jorge Julio and still have a quality bullpen this year. It’s too bad they haven’t been able to upgrade elsewhere.

Reed was troubled by a strained shoulder. ''I just had a little kink in it,’' Reed said. ''It’s no big deal.’'