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.

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.

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.

In a story the Philadelphia Inquirer today, Todd Zolecki says that the Phillies are interested in David Weathers:

The Phillies are interested in free-agent righthanders Joe Borowski (3-3, 3.75 ERA and 36 saves with Florida) and David Weathers (4-4, 3.54, 12 saves with Cincinnati) because Gillick would like to have better options should closer Tom Gordon get hurt again.

It's not as stupid as the idea of the Yankees going after Eddie Guardado, but it's still surprising to see the name of any Reds' reliever mentioned.

If only someone wanted Franklin.