Hey, remember the other day when the Reds signed Bubba Crosby, and I said something insensitive to the effect that I didn't care? Well, that was back when I thought that Bubba Crosby was just some boring nobody, but now I know better. Now I humbly stand corrected.

I mean, how could a guy possibly be a boring nobody when he has an entire blog dedicated to him?

All Things Bubba appears to be a blog entirely dedicated to Bubba Crosby. To be honest, I didn't comb through the archives to make sure that there aren't other Bubba's involved, but the archives go all the way back to May, which I think is pretty impressive. It sometimes feels like there isn't anything to say here on RHM, and I talk about an entire team.

I think we're going to enjoy following the exploits of All Things Bubba as the season progresses. Ought to be an interesting read, even if he turns out not to be a particularly interesting player.

Per The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Reds have expressed interest in Braves' second baseman, Marcus Giles:

The Braves are listening to offers for second baseman Marcus Giles, who appears likely to be dealt for several reasons — his salary ($5.5 million or more in 2007), his pending free agency after next season, and organizational depth in middle-infield prospects.

Schuerholz said restoring the pitching staff to an elite level remains his top priority — as difficult as that might appear considering the team's payroll constraints.

San Diego and Cincinnati are among teams interested in Giles. The Padres have a setup reliever the Braves covet, Scott Linebrink.

Presumably, if the Reds were to land Giles, they would start him at second with Brandon Phillips swinging over to shortstop, his “natural” position. Phillips was pretty darn good at second, and he was just learning the position, so I certainly don't hate the idea of seeing him showing off at short.

Then again, I don't really see what the Reds have to offer to restore the Braves' pitching staff to an elite level. I mean, Jason Standridge is already gone.

After yet another list of rumors of the Mets' interest in Rich Aurilia and the Phillies' interest in David Weathers, it's kind of nice to see a fresh face among the rumors.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers might be interested in pursing Scott Schoeneweis:

Free agent Jamie Walker, a Tiger since 2002, has said he would like to return to the club and challenge John Hiller's club record for relief appearances. Walker's agent, Phil Tannenbaum, said recently that Walker is seeking a three-year deal, and the Chicago Sun-Times reported Sunday that Walker is a top target of White Sox GM Kenny Williams.

If Walker signs elsewhere, Detroit would likely pursue Scott Schoeneweis (Cincinnati Reds) and Ron Villone (New York Yankees). The Tigers have already expressed interest in both left-handers.

Wouldn't you know it? And just when I figured out how to spell his name.

Jason Standridge was claimed off waivers by the New York Mets today, according to the guy who is not Marc yet writing at Marc's blog.

It was just over a year ago that Standridge was proclaimed The Hottest Red by Red Hot Mama. Now I guess I'll have to find someone new to drool over. I'll accept nominations.

The Dallas Morning News mentions everyone's favorite human hummingbird among its rumors about the Rangers' need for a center fielder:

There might be guys available for trade. The Rangers could explore dealing for Philadelphia's Aaron Rowand, but that would probably take something such as Hank Blalock. And new manager Washington has made it clear he wants to work with Blalock.

A more likely trade possibility might be Cincinnati's Ryan Freel. He could be part of a platoon in center and would also replace some of the versatility that the club will lose if Mark DeRosa signs elsewhere, as expected.

I don't think there is there any possibility that the Reds could get enough out of a trade for Ryan Freel. The trade would have to do more than address one of the team's needs; it would have to justify giving up Freel's skill, spark, and popularity. Trading Felipe Lopez and Austin Kearns for middle relievers makes people think you're an idiot. Trading Freel for a middle reliever would make people think you're Satan.