The Cincinnati Reds are looking to build on the momentum they started in 2012 when they finished the season with second-best record in the National League.  Part of their plan is to lock up their bigger contributors for the long-term.  Two such players may be Mat Latos and Homer Bailey.

Latos and Bailey are two of the few remaining unsigned arbitration-eligible players on the Reds' roster. Mark Sheldon of MLB.com says rather than go to arbitration, the Reds are exploring the possibility of long-term deals for both.


Latos came over to Cincinnati in a deal in which the Reds had to mortgage much of their farm.  They gave up four players including three who made major contributions for the San Diego Padres.  Edinson Volquez, Yasmani Grandal, and Yonder Alonso all had solid years for San Diego, but Mat Latos performed well for the Reds, and Cincinnati got exactly what they hoped they would out of him.

In 2012, Bailey tossed a no-hitter.  On September 28th, Bailey didn't allow a hit against the Pittsburgh Pirates.  It was the first no-hitter of his career.  Bailey had a solid season overall last year, too.  He tossed 208 inning and went 13-10.  He posted a 3.698 ERA.

Latos suffered a minor calf injury in 2012, but for the most part he was healthy.  Bailey remained healthy through the season.  Both were big contributors as the Reds marched into the playoffs.  However, Cincinnati wants more after being dropped by the San Francisco Giants in the first round of the postseason.
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