Reds sign Manny Parra to one-year deal

Manny Parra got a Major League contract, and Miguel Olivo got a minor league one. Either way, they will both likely end up on the Major League roster together at some point during the 2013 season. The Cincinnati Reds signed Para to a one-year deal with a base salary of $1 million.

Parra can earn an additional $400,000 in appearance bonuses during the 2013 season says Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. He is expected to add depth to the bullpen and will serve as the lefty reliever GM Walt Jocketty has been looking for.

The Milwaukee Brewers originally drafted Parra to be a long-term solution in their starting rotation. Parra managed to stick around with the Brewers for five seasons, but the team non-tendered him after the 2012 season. The Reds have signed Parra to help bridge the gap between the starter of the day and new closer Jonathan Broxton. Parra will also add another lefty to the bullpen with Aroldis Chapman moving to the rotation.

Related: Reds fixing things that aren't broken.

In his career, Parra is 26-33 with a 5.12 ERA. He was used as a starter for much of the early part of his career. However, the Brewers moved him to the bullpen in 2010. They used Parra exclusively from the bullpen in 2012. The Reds intend to do the same. In 98 appearances as a reliever, Parra has posted a slightly better ERA than as a starter - 4.10 compared with 5.44.

Parra has never developed into the player most people thought he would be when the Brewers drafted him in the 16th round. Despite the low-round draft pick, Parra proved himself in the minors and quickly rose to the Majors. Unfortunately, Parra only had one season with an ERA under 4.00. The Reds hope he can turn back the clock and be a serviceable bullpen pitcher for them.