Baker excited about Ludwick signing: The Cincinnati Enquirer reports Reds manager Dusty Baker is excited about the signing of outfielder Ryan Ludwick. “He’s a guy I’ve always liked," Baker said. "I think he’s a great addition to the outfield. He helps with Drew Stubbs, Jay Bruce and especially Chris Heisey. (Ludwick) can play all three outfield spots. He’s had a couple of down years. But he’s a guy who will benefit from playing in our ballpark.” The Reds have regular at-bats available in left field, but Baker is still trying to figure out what to do with the position. "Ludwick is going to play. But I don’t want to thwart the progress on Chris Heisey," Baker said. "I had a long talk with Ludwick. I told him everybody on my team plays. Heisey has earned to the chance to play.” (Updated 01/23/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 2/12/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Ludwick was a breakout Fantasy star in 2008 when he slugged a career-high 37 homers and 113 RBI with the Cardinals. Unfortunately, he has been in decline in every season since '08 and Ludwick might no longer be an everyday outfielder, which is why he was signed to just a one-year deal. Clearly, the Reds signed him as insurance in case Heisey struggles as the primary left fielder. Consider Ludwick more of an NL-only Fantasy option on Draft Day. (Updated 01/23/2012).
02/09/2012 14:05 Ludwick gets $2.5M with '13 option from Reds; Francis signs deal
The Cincinnati Reds made a couple moves to improve their depth, finalizing a $2.5 million, one-year contract with outfielder Ryan Ludwick and a minor-league deal with left-handed starter Jeff Francis.
02/01/2012 11:35 2012 Fantasy outlooks: Cincinnati Reds
The Reds rebuilt a significant portion of their roster in the hopes of winning now. Our Al Melchior breaks down Cincinnati's Fantasy options for owners to consider on Draft Day.
Ryan Ludwick continued to be a solid run-producer for owner s year ago and could be in for a bounce-back campaign in 2012. After hitting 13 home runs with 75 RBI in 139 games between the Padres and Pirates last season, he signed with the Reds and should see the majority of the starts in left field. While he batted just .237 with a .363 slugging percentage a year ago, the move to Great American Ball Park with a potent lineup should do wonders for his Fantasy value. The 33-year-old still has some decent pop in his bat so a return to 20 homers is not out of the question. Strikeouts and average might hurt his appeal in some formats so target Ludwick in deeper mixed leagues on Draft Day. He might be worth taking a flier on in larger formats as well as he is a career .276 hitter with a .600 slugging percentage in his new home park. (Updated 1/25/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
