The Reds designated for assignment Quinton McCracken today in a move I prognosticated back when he was first signed. Looks like his salary is $600,000, so even if they can't convince the Cubs to take him, the Reds won't be on the hook for too much.

In his place, they've brought up Dewayne Wise. You may remember Wise as being the annual spring training phenom who sprained his ankle just before he managed to start the team in the bigs. You can hear me talk about his injury as it happened in Episode 6 of the podcast, which I was recording live during the game. You can also read about the time I chatted with him in person. That was before he was hurt, as you can probably tell from the adorably cocky demeanor he was still carrying then.

Lots of stuff going on today. Ought to be fun to try to find different sources for all the different tidbits.

According to the official site:

Reds' moves: After Wednesday's loss, the Reds optioned RHP Elizardo Ramirez to Class A Dayton. The Reds will most likely recall Encarnacion for the four-game series against Atlanta. Encarnacion has been on the disabled list with an injured left ankle, and Narron has said for the past few days that it was possible Encarnacion could rejoin the team in Atlanta.

The Reds have, indeed, activated Mr. Encarnación to take the place of The Lizard.

I understand what's going on here: they've optioned Elizardo to give him some exercise while all the big kids are relaxing during the All-Star Break. But damn--Dayton? He's been their third-best starter!

In any event, he ought to be back promptly, hopefully still rollling and with the benefit of a rejuvenated bullpen behind him.

Chris Hammond was designated for assignment today by the Reds. Brian “Love” Shackelford has been called up to take his place.

Chris Hammond was a guiding presence in the bullpen early in the season, but lately he just hadn't been getting it done on the mound. At 40 years old, you had to figure that he was getting pretty close to hanging up the cleats anyway, but you never know. He “retired” in 1999 but returned in 2002, so maybe we'll be seeing him again round-about 2010 or so.

Till then, we'll be looking for great things out of Love Shack.

According to Reds.com, owner Bob Castellni has extended the contracts of manager Jerry Narron and general manager Wayne Krivsky.

On Wednesday, Castellini announced that manager Jerry Narron received a two-year contract extension through the 2008 season, with a club option for 2009. General manager Wayne Krivsky's option for 2008 was also picked up.

Certainly the team's success this season has been pleasantly unexpected, but I'm still surprised to see this already. I mean, now where do they put Lou Piniella??

In all seriousness, though, it does seem a bit premature. Why pick up Krivsky's 2008 option before 2007? Why trust that Narron's success will continue? Miley's first season was pretty good, too, and that went ugly fast.

Of course, Bob's got the golden touch. Hopefully his hand in these contracts makes them all the more successful.

Matt Belisle is back after a lengthy exile to minor league rehab pergatory. Mike Burns was sent down to accommodate him.

Meanwhile, Edwin Encarnación is finally beginning his rehab assignment with Louisville. At the time of this writing, he had started at third base and was 1-for-2 with a run scored against Richmond.

On a slight tangent, Louisville is a half game back on Indianapolis in the International League standings. Is it any wonder with the likes of Dewayne Wise, Chris Denorfia, and Little Ray Ray taking the field.