Reds sign Burke to Minor League deal

Although the Reds may not have made any major moves during the Winter Meetings in Indianapolis, they did sign Chris Burke to a Minor League deal, general manager Walt Jocketty said last week. Burke, who is a former first-round pick by the Astros in the 2001 First-Year Player Draft, played in 32 games for the Padres in 2009 and also played in the Mariners' and Braves' Triple-A affiliates. In 83 Minor League games, the right-handed hitter .279 with four homers and 15 stolen bases.

In six seasons in the Majors, he has also played center field, shortstop, right field, first base and third base in his mlb jersey. "I think we see him as a potential candidate for the utility role on the Major League club, and if nothing else, he'll play at Triple-A Louisville," Jocketty said. "He's from Louisville, it's his hometown, and he's very excited about the possibility to play for either club. He's an experienced guy that might be able to help us."