Reds manager Dusty Baker announced Monday that Sean Marshall will open the season as the team's closer. "It's Marshall right now," said Baker, who previously indicated that he was open to a closer-by-committee. It's the right move, as the 29-year-old left-hander has a fantastic 2.45 ERA over the past two seasons, averaging 10.1 K/9 and 2.5 BB/9. Marshall was already an obvious pick-up after we learned that Ryan Madson needs season-ending Tommy John surgery, but he's officially a must-add wherever available. Aroldis Chapman is expected to pitch in a set-up capacity.

Reds manager Dusty Baker indicated Monday that he's open to using a closer-by-committee. Most assumed that Sean Marshall would step into the closer role now that Ryan Madson needs season-ending Tommy John surgery, but Baker would like to stay away from using him three days in a row. "It might have to be by committee, which I hate," said Baker. "Hopefully, somebody will emerge and then you hate to have to go through it until somebody fails and you have to go to somebody else. That's the thing you don't want to get into." We think Marshall could be an elite closer if given the opportunity, but Aroldis Chapman, Bill Bray and Nick Masset could also figure in. There's also a chance that they could look outside the organization.

Sean Marshall is expected to serve as the Reds' closer this season. The Reds signed Ryan Madson to a one-year, $8.5 million contract this winter and were hoping to feature him in the ninth inning. But Madson suffered a torn UCL this week and will require Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery. Marshall is one of the most reliable relievers in the major leagues and should hold considerable fantasy value.

Reds signed LHP Sean Marshall to a three-year, $16.5 million contract extension. The deal runs through the 2015 season. Marshall, who is set to earn $3.1 million in 2012 as part of a previous deal signed with the Cubs, was acquired via trade this winter and will serve as a setup man this season in Cincinnati. The 29-year-old lefty has a spectacular 2.45 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 169/42 K/BB ratio in his past 150 1/3 innings of work, and can safely be considered one of the game's best relievers. The Reds might even try him as a starter down the road.

Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com reports that the Reds and Sean Marshall are making progress on a multi-year extension and a deal could be announced early this week. Details of the contract aren't available at this point. Marshall is currently slated to earn $3.1 million in 2012 before hitting free agency over the winter. The left-hander has emerged as one of the better left-handed setup men in the league, boasting an impressive 2.45 ERA since the start of the 2010 season. He'll set up for Ryan Madson this season.

Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said Friday that Sean Marshall is a "possibility" at closer. However, Jocketty said it would only happen if the club doesn't add someone in free agency. Marshall only has seven career saves, but owns an impressive 2.45 ERA as a reliever since the start of the 2010 season. The Reds remain in talks with free agent Francisco Cordero, who has served as their closer for the past four seasons.

Reds acquired LHP Sean Marshall from the Cubs in exchange for LHP Travis Wood, OF Dave Sappelt and INF Ronald Torreyes. The Reds might have given up a little too much in the deal, but Marshall should fit in nicely as a setup man in Cincy. He has posted a 2.45 ERA as a reliever since the start of the 2010 season and is tough on right-handed batters, as well as lefties. The Reds are still in the market for a closer, as they'd like to use Marshall in the eighth inning.

John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the Reds do not intend to use Sean Marshall as their closer in 2012. As expected. Marshall has been one of the best relievers in the game the last two seasons and is more than a lefty specialist, having held right-handed batters to an OPS of .585 in 2010 and .599 in 2011. He would probably be just fine in the ninth inning, but the Reds prefer to use him in a setup role. They're trying to bring back Francisco Cordero, and Aroldis Chapman could be an option, as well. Fay also notes that, unlike Mat Latos, Marshall came to Cincinnati for a physical, so it's possible he could sign an extension. He's currently slated to be a free agent after next season.

According to ESPN Chicago's Bruce Levine, the Cubs and Reds have agreed, in principal, to a trade that will send Sean Marshall to Cincinnati in exchange for left-hander Travis Wood and two minor leaguers. Ken Rosenthal first reported word of the deal on Tuesday night, and it should be made final by Thursday morning. Marshall, 29, has posted a 2.45 ERA as a reliever since the start of the 2010 season. He's also capable of starting, but the Reds are said to be viewing him as a setup man. Wood had a 4.84 ERA and 76/40 K/BB ratio over 106 innings in 2011. The 24-year-old southpaw will be part of the Cubs' new rebuilding strategy.

Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com reports that the Cubs and Reds are "close" to a deal involving Sean Marshall and Travis Wood. Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com was the first to report that the clubs were discussing a deal. However, Levine hears that the Cubs would receive two minor leaguers along with Wood. Marshall has a 2.45 ERA out of the bullpen since the start of the 2010 season, but he's basically a luxury for a team that is in rebuilding mode. The 29-year-old left-hander will hit free agency next offseason.