Per Ken Rosenthal, the Reds have signed Jeremy Affeldt to a one year deal for $3 million plus incentives. According to Rosenthal, the Reds intend to give the lefty Affeldt a shot at the starting rotation. In light of the money involved, I think this is good signing by Herr Krivsky. Affeldt was decent as a starter for the Royals in 2002 and 2003. The Consigliere reports that blisters were the primary reason Affeldt was converted to the bullpen. If Affeldt has resolved the problem that caused the blisters, he could be a decent starter for the Reds. However, even if starting doesn't work out for Affeldt, he still solidifies the bullpen. This was a low risk move by Krivsky.

Signing Affeldt still doesn't address the Reds' need for another top of the rotation starter. However, given the outrageous costs for good starting pitching, I'm fine with finding out if Bailey, or perhaps Volquez, can be that top three starter next year. There's also the possibility that Cueto or Maloney could fill that role by 2009.