Say Hello to .500

It's understandable the Reds don't want to be hijacked by the Orioles. Bedard is a nice lefthander. He's not Steve Carlton. All you can do is trust the judgement of those paid to be smart about the likes of Bailey, Cueto and the kid from Texas.

But once again, unless Joe Blanton magically appears, the Reds are playing for a future that never arrives. Bedard: 13-game winner in 5 months. Bailey, Cueto etc. : Unopened package. Bedard: Puts Reds immediately in Central mix. Bailey etc.: Leaves them wishing on potential.

It's a little like saving your money for a rainy day, while choosing to live in Palm Springs.

When you've been lousy since 2000, the way to being not lousy is crystal, and you hoard your prospects rather than give winning a shot, it's a little discouraging. Part of the reason you have prospects is so you can trade them.

A big reason the Cordero signing excited me was it spoke of winning now. You don't throw 46 mil at a soon-to-be 33-year-old closer unless you're going for it. Now?

Harang, Arroyo and ? and the Mysterians. That's no way to bring championship baseball back to Cincinnati.