Did you see the story “Notes: Reds show love for Valentin” on Reds.com?? I'm so excited!

No, not just because Javy's already signed to come back just seven months after the last time they signed him to come back, though of course I'm excited about that:

On Monday, Valentin was given a one-year, $1.25 million contract extension for 2007 with a club option for 2008.

The club option is for $1.3 million, which includes a $75,000 buyout. That option would escalate to $1.35 million if gets 250 plate appearances next year, and $1.4 million if he reaches 300 plate appearances.

That's awesome, of course, but what I'm psyched about is the headline on the story. Sure, you might think that including “love” is just a play on “Valentín”, but I choose to believe that's it's one-third of “Latin Love Machine.”

We're going to try moving the podcasts to Mondays to see if I can actually get them out on a more regular basis. It's remarkable how difficult it is to get your booty out of bed to record audio on a Saturday morning.

This week, the Crack Technical Staff and I discuss the Reds play-off hopes as well as contenders for all the awards that come up this time of year.

This week we introduce a new segment that I hope to make a regular feature: Ignorant and Inflammatory. It's the point of view of an ignorant person who gets all inflamed about something they don't understand. This week: the non-renewal of Steve Stewart's contract.

Also, the podcast is proud to introduce a voicemail line where you can call in and leave a message to be featured on the podcast. It ought to be a local call to those in the Cincinnati area, so call any time, day or night, and leave your thoughts on the Reds, podcasting, or how sexy you think my voice sounds. You may just hear yourself on next week's podcast. P.S. – Drunk dialing is encouraged!

That number is (513) 729-7106.

We finish out this week's show with 30-seconds of Gimmetheball by the Psychodots from Cincinnati Clutch Hits.

Episode 21: Playoffs, Awards, and Uneducated Rants (8.64 MB, 12:35)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Fans of Bronson Arroyo's debut album Covering the Bases will be lining up for his follow-up work Loading the Bases, due in stores next month.

Bronson pours his heart out in this album inspired by his 2006 season experiences. Bronson's journey has been an emotional roller coaster, and this album takes you along for the ride.

• You'll feel the heart-wrenching separation of being torn from his home in Boston and shipped off to Cincinnati when you listen to the first two tracks: But I'm Too Hot For Ohio and I Hope Adam Dunn Doesn't Give Me a Wedgie.
• You'll fly high with Bronson through his first nine wins when you hear I'm Too Awesome to Keep Promises to Bloggers and Screw You, Aaron Harang.
• You'll enjoy the care-free confidence of the midseason with All-Star Party Dude and Shit, Would You Believe a Double?.
• You'll ache along with Bronson during his 11-game win draught in It's David Ross's Fault Anyway and It Would Have Been a Good Outing If You Hadn't Let Those Inherited Runners Score.
• Finally, you'll be inspired by the fierce independence of the closing track My Name Ain't Cornroyo.

Loading the Bases is a must-have for baseball collectors and music enthusiasts alike. Pre-order your copy today at the MLB gift shop, cow pastures, and everywhere bullshit is sold.

Jerry Narron has a myspace profile
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile &friendid=89300450

as does George Grande
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile &friendid=97957165

So you can send them some love……

Adam Dunn came up as a possible off-season trade to the Pirates in Dejan Kovacevic's Pirates Q&A on Pittsburgh's post-gazette.com this week:

Q: In regards to acquiring a lefty power bat, and I know chances are extremely slim, but what do you think about trading for Adam Dunn this winter? I seem to remember his name being out there a few times over the last few years, so this winter may be no different. He's still fairly young, fills a major hole, would fit in the Pirates' budget, and -- most important -- Reds GM Wayne Krivsky clearly has no problem making trades.

Kovacevic goes on to explain why that's not a good idea: primarily because Dunn isn't all that young and he certainly isn't all that cheap with the contract he just signed. Good reasons the Pirates shouldn't pursue it, and exactly why they will.

So, what would it take from the Pirates for them to acquire Dunn? Dave Williams isn't going to cut it this time. A couple draft picks? The entire rotation? All of the Indianapolis Indians team?

I've got it: Adam Dunn straight up for PNC Park. It'll give us a place to store all the extra hot dogs we'll need for $1 hot dog night.