Belisle agrees to $1.25M deal

From Shannon Russell:

Reds pitcher Matt Belisle will enter the starting rotation mix this spring knowing that he’s got a bit more financial security after agreeing to a one-year, $1.25 million contract with the team on Thursday.

Belisle, who went 8-9 last season with a 5.32 ERA, made $390,000 in 2007. He became arbitration eligible and asked for $1.65 million.

"He’s happy, we’re happy, and we’re looking forward to an even better year this year," said Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky.

"It’s always good when you can avoid the arbitration process and settle a deal that makes both sides happy."

Belisle likely will follow Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo in the rotation.

Other players in the rotation mix include Homer Bailey, Edinson Volquez and left-hander Jeremy Affeldt.

Belisle started 30 games last season and pitched 177 2/3 innings. He gave up 26 home runs.
It was his first year as a starter after spending three years as a reliever.

Second baseman Brandon Phillips is the last Reds player left in arbitration.

The Associated Press contributed to this report