Amazing how you can wonder what on earth you’ll talk about before you start the podcast only to suddenly find yourself wrapping up 30 minutes later. There’s some fluff in there, but the meat of the Reds conversation is about trade rumors, trade possibilities, and the trade scenarios under which general manager Wayne Krivsky should be fired.

Episode 68: Trade Rumors (20.5MB, 29:53)

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After yesterday's heroic extra-innings RBI by our favorite little catcher, Javier Valentín, I noticed that he was sporting even stubble across his face. Tonight I notice that he's shaved the beardy part is is back to just the signature 'stache.

And while I was writing that, Chris Welsh, in describing said heroic extra-innings RBI, uttered the phrase “They were pounding Javy with love last night.”

I thought you'd want to know.

There's some good stuff in the Notes on Reds.com today:

CINCINNATI -- Although it was unknown when he'd return to the lineup, shortstop Alex Gonzalez made an appearance in the Reds clubhouse early on Tuesday afternoon and worked out on his own.

Gonzalez has not played since he went on the bereavement list July 14 to be with his hospitalized 10-month old son, Johan, in Cincinnati while the team was in New York. He's been on the restricted list since his maximum seven-day leave ran out Saturday.
…
Gonzalez had already left the ballpark before the media was permitted inside the clubhouse. The nature of Johan Gonzalez's illness and his condition has not been revealed, even to teammates.

“He did not tell me exactly what the baby had,” Reds infielder Juan Castro said. “The only thing he told me was he thought the baby was reacting a little better, which I think is a good sign.

I'm so glad to hear that the baby is doing better. I only had one infant, and the terror that comes with the sorely inadequate control you have over that child's health was enough. And nothing much ever even happened to my kid: a broken finger, a night spent in the oxygen tent, and countless nights' sleep interrupted by croup and dream pain.

Needless to say, the Red Hot Mama household s still pulling for the little guy.

In less scary news:

Not swinging: Outfielder Josh Hamilton (sprained right wrist) has yet to swing a bat since he went on the 15-day disabled list coming out of the All-Star break. Hamilton is continuing to rehabilitate and will be re-examined by hand specialist Dr. Andrew Markiewitz on Thursday or Friday.

Sigh. I miss Hamilton.

Yes, please:

Headed for surgery? Castro is weighing his options trying to decide whether to have season-ending right elbow surgery to repair a partially torn ligament. The infielder threw again on Tuesday a day after feeling soreness trying to throw from the shortstop during a Monday workout.

From the Doesn't Seem To Be Much Point Now Department:

Wait and see: On the heels of Monday's 30-pitch bullpen session, reliever Eddie Guardado threw 30 pitches against hitters in live batting practice on Tuesday.