Free agency has begun

The free agency sweepstakes is over 12 hours old, and the Reds haven't signed anyone. Or at least, they have told us they've signed anyone. That, of course, is no big deal. No one's signed anyone.

I still think starting pitching should be No. 1 on the Reds' shopping list. But there are some interesting relievers out there. I think the Reds will be cautious -- given what happened with Mike Stanton and Rheal Cormier, i.e., I don't see them going for guys in their 40s.

Here's a list of guys worth considering (Disclaimer: I don't know if the Reds are interested in any of them and they aren't going to say if they are):

--Octavio Dotel, 33: He's had his injury problems. But he struck on 41 on 30 2.3 innings last year.

--Scott Linebrink, 31: He was 5-6 with a 3.71 ERA. He's not the guy he was a few years ago. But a 3.71 ERA looks pretty good in the Reds bullpen.

--LaTroy Hawkins, 34: He had a 3.42 ERA pitching half his games at Coors.

--Kerry Wood, 30: He had a 3.33 ERA and struck out 24 in 24 1/3 innings. He's really intriguing because he's gets fully healthy, he could be a starter again. Tim Kremchek did his surgery, and you've got the Dusty Baker connection.

--Eric Gagne, 31: He had his problems. But he struck out 51 in 52 innings.