{mosimage}Trying to break an old habit...

The Reds reverted back to some bad habits last week by adding Josh Fogg to the roster.

Thankfully though, it's not exactly Eric Milton money (3-yr-$25.5 mil) that they've signed Fogg for in 2008. Try one year at $1 million buckaroos.

However, I think the Reds simply could have and should have done better than Fogg.

Certainly, this is not the worst off season signing by Cincinnati this year (Scott Sauerbeck) but, this is merely a temporary solution for some shortcomings on the bump.

Or, this is the unfortunate second-coming of Paul Wilson.

Basically, the starting rotation needs a four and five after Harang, Arroyo and Belisle. It's expected that Bailey will earn one of the spots and predicted that Johnny Cueto could become the fifth. That being said, Fogg's presence will be a useful insurance plan should Homer or Cuetro fizzle out.

Fogg posted a 10-9 record with a 4.94 ERA for the NL Champs

Personally, I would rather see Jeremy Affeldt in the rotation over Fogg but, his left-handedness will keep him in the bullpen as Bill Bray is recently battling some arm troubles.

I looked up Fogg's career numbers and found he's statistically comparable to pitchers such as Kyle Lohse, Brett Tomko, Brian Anderson and Pete Schourek. Sound familiar Reds fans?

From 1997-'99 Tomko managed a 29-26 record for the Reds before being dealt to Seattle as part of the Jr. trade

On the other hand, I wish the Reds would have made a stronger push for Oakland's Joe Blanton. The A's right-hander is 27-years-old and still arbitration eligible, meaning Cincinnati could keep him for three more seasons.

Plus, in Blanton's first three seasons he's made no less than 31 starts while averaging 208 innings and holds a record of eight games above .500 (42-34). Also, he's due around $400,000 this year. He's both very solid and very affordable indeed.

Well, affordable in greenbacks anyway. Obviously, Blanton's numbers aren't hiding from Oakland's GM Billy Beane. Beane is famous for dealing quality players for prospects including two already this off season (Dan Haren to Arizona and Nick Swisher to Chicago).

Both of Beane's recent deals brought back a total of nine prospects. So, guess what Beane is requesting from teams interested in Blanton.

To get Blanton, the Reds would probably have to part with a Homer Bailey, Joey Votto or Johnny Cueto. Perhaps, even two of the three might be included in such a deal.

And, because this deal isn't hinging on dollar signs, the Reds diverse collection of talented prospects allows them the flexibility to act like big spenders for once.

Sure, this would be a lot to give up but, the return value is enough to win the Central Division this year! Now, wouldn't that be something.

Bullpen Session

• Of course, I was disappointed to see Joe Nuxhall fall short on joining the broadcasters’ wing in the HOF. Actually, Joe's death was very timely this year and I thought that might give him an extra boost from the voters.

Some Reds fans I've spoke with are obviously upset that Joe didn't make it in. That's ok but, the guy who did – Dave Niehaus - is equally deserving of such an honor as Joe.

• Had Joe been voted as the Ford C. Frick Award winner, Marty Brennaman was ready to accept the honor on Joe's behalf.

• On the flip side, I'm truly excited for former Reds broadcaster Steve Stewart. He's now in K.C. and I think he'll be a perfect fit in the nation's bread basket. Also, I always enjoyed reading the Bad Boy's blog when he was working for the Reds.

• Here's another Reds' employee who was handed a tough break but managed to land on his feet.

• The Reds reported to spring training last Saturday. And, already the Dusty Baker haters are at full force.

• Another reason why I admire Griffey Jr.

Dusty Baker: "You know, I talked to Hank Aaron the other day. I guess he and Junior are on the board of the Boys & Girls Club. Hank said what a pleasure it was for him to be around Junior and his wife, and he could tell what kind of guy he was. Hank doesn't give compliments like that very often. So that meant a lot to me. He's met most of the superstars in the game, and this is the first time he's really raved about meeting one."

• I'm particularly interested in watching Reds prospect Adam Rosales this spring. I covered "rosey" when he was playing at Western Michigan and I was broadcasting for the Ohio Bobcats.

Adam was brilliant at SS in the MAC (All-MAC first team and All-MAC academic team). Plus, I always wondered what more he could have done if had played his college ball at a warm weather school.

That inquiry peak my interest further after Rosales climbed through the Reds' Florida and Arizona minor league teams this pas t season.

In fact, Adam earned the organization's Minor League Hitter of the Year and a Florida State league All Star appearance. Plus, following the season Rosales blossomed even more in the prestigious Arizona Fall League batting .292, with 1HR and 10 RBIs in just 14 games.

• I'm not surprised that many Reds fans don't want to see the team move its spring training home to Arizona.

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