Chris Reitsma lost the first arbitration case of the off-season to the Reds last week. RHP Reistma submitted a formal request for $1.45M while Cincinnati offered $950K, and the three-person arbitration panel ruled in favor of the Reds. While Reitsma reportedly was willing to settle for a sum between the two figures, the Reds supposedly wouldn't compromise. As a result, Reitsma receives a $600K raise instead of the $1.1M jump he desired.

Reitsma possesses solid control and keeps the ball on the ground, but he isn't a dominant pitcher, and he developed a large platoon split last season. Considering Danny Graves is returning to closing and Ryan Wagner seems likely to succeed Graves, Reitsma also isn't in a position to claim closer money. I expect Reitsma to pitch effectively for the Reds in relief this year, but I support Cincinnati's decision not to consent to his contract demands. The 26-year-old doesn't appear to merit the extra couple of hundred thousand this year, and any excess in his salary this season will follow him all the way to free agency, as he'll expect a raise in each of his arbitration years. Both Reitsma and Johnson were in their first year of arbitration eligibility.

Nick Johnson and the Expos also were unable to reach a contract agreement prior to a salary arbitration hearing. On January 20, 1B-L Johnson formally requested $1.68M while Montreal offered him $1.25M. The hearing took place on Monday, and yesterday the arbitrators ruled in favor of the Expos, leaving Johnson with an increase of $885.9K over his 2003 salary rather than the $1.3159M raise he wanted.

Clubs generally prefer to avoid arbitration hearings because arguing for a smaller salary involves downplaying a player's abilities while highlighting their flaws. Such arguments can undermine the player's confidence and alienate someone with whom the club plans to negotiate future deals. While Johnson's skills have developed to the point where words should never be able to hurt him, given his injury history, he definitely needs to avoid all sticks and stones. Montreal probably used his frequent hand and wrist problems as their primary argument against paying Johnson the salary that he requested. Meanwhile, with their unique ownership structure, current Expos' management doesn't need to exercise as much concern as most organizations with regards to presenting a friendly face for future negotiations. The length of their reign is unknown and budget restrictions dictate that any player unwilling to compromise on salary can be discarded. I still believe Johnson will be in another uniform before the start of the 2005 season and quite probably before the end of 2004.

Elsewhere in the NL East, Florida signed 1B/OF-R Wil Cordero to one-year, $600,000 contract in early February. He'll also receive an additional $200,000 if he plays in 140 games. I'd consider this a smart signing by most teams. Cordero possesses solid power and plate discipline. The 32-year-old's particularly effective against left-handed pitching, and he plays the corners of the outfield as well as first base. Unfortunately, his skill versus lefties and 1B-L Hee Seop Choi's youthful struggles against southpaws seem likely to lead to a platoon of the two players, preventing Choi from obtaining the experience he needs left-handers and robbing him of the confidence that comes from playing full time.

The Marlins also signed Nelson Cruz, OF-R Mike Colangelo, and Armando Rios to minor league deals. Mike Colangelo spent last season playing for Oakland's affiliate in the AAA Pacific Coast League at Sacramento, where he hit .281 with a .375 OBP and .413 SLG on 87 H, 20 2B, 3 3B, and 5 HR with a 37:74 BB:K and 5/7 SB% in 310 AB. The 27-year-old possesses decent plate discipline, but he doesn't offer much in the way of speed or power to assist his case for a major league roster spot. He may compete for a bench job in spring training, but I'll be surprised if the Marlins open a 40-man slot in order to call him up this season.