Reds awaiting word from Rolen about '13

CINCINNATI -- The Reds are still awaiting word from free-agent third baseman Scott Rolen about whether he intends to play in 2013.

Reds first baseman Joey Votto is a good friend of Rolen's and the two have spoken. However, Votto did not know what Rolen's plans were.

"We never speak about baseball when we talk," Votto said during Redsfest on Friday. "He should do whatever he wants to do that's best for him and his family. I love playing with him. I learned a lot from him certainly. I have nothing but respect for him. I'm sure he will make the right decision. I got everything I could ask for from playing beside him. I learned a tremendous amount.

"The two or three years with him were not wasted. He changed my path as a player. He was a shining example of the type of player I want to be because of how quiet he was and how consistently respected he was throughout baseball."

At the moment, the Reds are proceeding with Todd Frazier slated to be their third baseman next season.