Cairo hired as special assistant to GM Jocketty

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The Reds announced on Thursday that former utility infielder Miguel Cairo has joined their baseball operations department as a special assistant to general manager Walt Jocketty.

Cairo, 38, will also serve as an instructor during Spring Training for the Major and Minor League camps. He is slated to arrive at camp on Friday.

"Miguel expressed an interest in retiring as a player and becoming involved with the baseball operations side of the game," Jocketty said. "He was a leader for us on the field and in the clubhouse, and over a very successful career, earned a tremendous amount of respect within the baseball community. Miguel was a big part of our success the last three years. Our younger players will benefit from his work ethic and experience."

Cairo was a dependable backup, especially during his first two years with the Reds in 2010-11, when injuries knocked out corner infielders Joey Votto and Scott Rolen. Last season, Cairo batted only .187 in 70 games.

Over a 17-year career with nine teams totaling 1,490 games, Cairo was a .264 hitter.