CINCINNATI, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Righthander Danny Graves of Cincinnati, who is expected to become a starter this season, Friday reached an agreement on a three-year contract.
Financial terms were not disclosed for the deal, which includes a mutual option for 2006. The contract is pending a physical by Reds team physician Dr. Timothy Kremchek on Monday.
Graves is looking to follow Boston Red Sox righthander Derek Lowe in making a successful transition from closer to starter.
"Danny is at the core of the good young group of players we have under control the first few years of Great American Ball Park," said General Manager Jim Bowden. "These players are going to provide our fans with an exciting brand of baseball."
On Thursday, the Reds re-signed infielder Aaron Boone, righthander Ryan Dempster, and catcher Jason LaRue.
Graves, 29, went 7-3 with 32 saves and a 3.19 ERA in 68 games last season. After 64 relief appearances, he went 1-0 with a 1.89 ERA in four starts.
The 2000 All-Star is 35-21 with 129 saves and a 3.42 ERA in 367 career appearances. He is eighth in the major leagues with 121 saves over the last four years.
