Reds sign Patterson, Hairston

The Reds have signed Corey Patterson and Jerry Hairston Jr to minor-league deals.

"Patterson will come in and compete for the center field job," Reds GM Wayne Krivsky said. "Hairston is another versatile guy that can play infield/outfield. Patterson is 28 and Hairston is 31. They've got some experience, but we gave them no guarantees. They'll come in and compete."

This likely precludes the Reds from signing free agent center fielder Kenny Lofton.

"I'd rather not talk about individual guys," Krivsky said. "But we're pleased with the guys we have in right now."

Patterson, a left-handed power-speed hitter, hit .269 last season in 461 at-bats with the Orioles. He had eight home runs with 45 RBI and 37 steals in 46 attempts. His on-base percentage was .304. He really came on after the All-Star break, hitting .313 when he became a full-time starter.

In 2006 Patterson hit .276 with 16 homers and 53 RBI with 45 steals in 54 attempts. His on-base percentage was .314.

Patterson is a former blue-chip prospect who came up with the Cubs and made his major-league debut as a 21-year-old in 2000. In his career, he has 168 steals, 94 homers and 329 RBI and is a .258 hitter.

Hairston, a right-handed hitter, also has Cubs ties, playing with them in 2005 and 2006.

He hit .189 last season with Texas in 159 at-bats. He played all the outfield spots and shortstop, second base and third base. He's a lifetime .253 hitter with a .325 on-base percentage in 2,534 at-bats since 1998 with 112 career steals.