The Major League Baseball All-Star Japan series ended this past week with the MLB sweeping for the first time since 1935.

The final game ended in dramatic fashion with Jose Reyes providing a walk-off home run for the win.

I like the idea of the international series, as it can only help promote baseball. I wouldn't have minded seeing more coverage of it domestically, but that's probably a bit much to ask for considering NFL and college football are in the midst of their seasons.

Even though it's been going on infrequently for years, I hope the series leads to more international baseball stuff, like an improved baseball World Cup, for starters.

The Reds signed Bubba Crosby, a 30-year old outfielder. And a good thing to, because this team's been without a Bubba for over eight months. Sez Reds.com:

CINCINNATI -- Looking to add some outfield depth and more competition, the Reds signed outfielder Bubba Crosby to a one-year contract worth $400,000 on Friday.

By signing him to a Major League deal, Cincinnati protected Crosby on its 40-man roster. But he's not assured a 25-man roster spot for Opening Day 2007. The 30-year-old will go to Spring Training and compete for a job as a reserve outfielder.

You don't care, right? Yeah, me neither. Seemed like a pretty unimpressive move. But then I saw the quote from general manager Wayne Krivsky:

“We're getting a guy that's been on winning teams, that plays the game the right way, that always plays it hard and can play all three outfield positions,” Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky said. “We're happy to have him.”

And that's when I put it together: guy from the Yankees who's been on winning teams? Light-hitter who plays the game hard, plays the game right?

Crosby is Kriv-dawg's Tony Womack. Hopefully he turns out to be as amusing.

There's a press release on Reds.com about the revised ticket prices. I like how the second paragraph seems to say that there were $1 tickets available last year. The team wasn't that bad.

So, let's take a look at our to-do list. New radio announcers: check. New pun-worthy pitching coach: check. Increased ticket prices: check. All that's left is actually improving the team and we're good to go.

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Reds today announced ticket prices for individual games at Great American Ball Park during the 2007 regular season.

Depending on seat location, ticket prices for non-premium seating categories will increase from $1 to $4. Some seating categories have been combined and renamed for convenience to fans in selecting seating options.

The popular outer view level seats will remain $5 and next season will be sold in advance of game day. Approximately 38 percent of the ballpark seats will be priced at $19 or less.

Next season there will be three Premier Series against the Cleveland Indians (June 8-10), St. Louis Cardinals (June 29-July 1) and Chicago Cubs (July 27-29) and four Select Series against the Texas Rangers (June 15-17), Arizona Diamondbacks (July 6-8), San Diego Padres (August 10-12) and Florida Marlins (August 24-26).

Season ticket packages purchased in full by January 31 - including current season ticket holder renewals in addition to new accounts - will be priced at the 2006 season rates. Season ticket packages purchased by January 31 will include savings up to 34 percent over next year's individual ticket prices and will not be subject to all of the variable pricing scales.

Season ticket packages renewed or purchased after January 31 will be priced at 2007 season ticket prices but still will include savings up to 22 percent over next season's individual ticket prices.

All season packages will be available for sale December 1 at Redsfest or by visiting reds.com. For additional information on season packages, contact the Reds' season sales department at (513) 765-7500.

Gift certificates for the 2007 regular season now are available in $10 and $15 increments. They can be purchased online at reds.com or by phone at (513) 765-7400. Gift certificates also will be available at Redsfest.

Just when you thought that Rich Aurilia was the only Red whose name was being bounced around in the media, in comes David Weathers.

His name popped up this weekend in the Philadelphia Inquirer, where he was mentioned again yesterday:

But Gillick thinks the Phillies not only can land that big fish in left field, but re-sign Randy Wolf, complete the rotation, and rebuild the bullpen. The Phillies won't be going after any Japanese pitchers, third basemen or otherwise. But they will look at righthanders Joe Borowski, David Weathers and others to fortify the bullpen. Mark DeRosa or Wes Helms could spell trouble for Nuñez at third base.

He comes up again in the Daily Herald, however briefly:

Just pondering

Think White Sox GM Kenny Williams is looking at free-agent relievers Joe Borowski or David Weathers?

Here's what I'm pondering: Is there any chance we'll get to see the Philles and White Sox get in a bidding war over Weathers? Because I think that might be something I'd like to see.

The Reds have issued a press release to tell the world that they've hired Dick Pole as their new pitching coach. And since I'm the press--well, sort of--I'm going to reprint the whole thing.

CINCINNATI -- Cincinnati Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky today announced that Dick Pole has joined the Major League staff as pitching coach.

Pole, 56, previously was the pitching coach on the Major League staffs of the Chicago Cubs (1988-91), San Francisco Giants (1993-97), Anaheim Angels (1999), Cleveland Indians (2000-01) and Montreal Expos (2002). The 2007 season will be his 19th as a big league coach and his 15th as a professional pitching coach.

For the last 4 seasons Pole worked for the Cubs as bench coach under manager Dusty Baker. His complete bio is attached.

The hiring of Pole completes manager Jerry Narron's staff, which includes hitting coach Brook Jacoby, bench coach Bucky Dent, first base coach Billy Hatcher, third base coach Mark Berry, bullpen coach Tom Hume and bullpen catcher Mike Stefanski.

Welcome aboard, Dick. I'm sure we're going to enjoy having you.