DaytonDailyNews.com

The Cincinnati Reds need another starting pitcher, or two, and the rumors are out there that they are interested in Oakland's Joe Blanton.

Reportedly, the A's want two from Column A — pitcher Homer Bailey, pitcher Johnny Cueto or first baseman Joey Votto. Seriously, while the A's are at it, why don't they also ask for the Carew Tower and a Montgomery Inn franchise to be built later?

Wayne Krivsky is entering his third year as Reds general manager, but despite what Oakland GM Billy Beane believes, there is no straw hanging out from under Krivsky's cap.

Krivsky wouldn't (or shouldn't) trade Bailey straight-up for Blanton. He wouldn't (or shouldn't) trade Cueto one-for-one for Blanton. He wouldn't (or shouldn't) trade Votto for Blanton straight-up.

What is worrisome, though, is that Votto and fellow first baseman Scott Hatteberg both bat left-handed and Votto could be considered expendable. Then the Reds signed first baseman/outfielder Craig Wilson, who is right-handed, to a minor-league contract with an invitation to major-league camp.

Blanton, 27, was 14-10 with a 3.95 ERA in 34 starts, nice numbers, but the Reds shouldn't fool with their future and send their best prospect(s) to the A's.

And there is the talk about the Reds signing 40-year-old center fielder Kenny Lofton. The Reds need a leadoff hitter, but what about Jay Bruce? Former Reds infielder Chris Sabo coached Bruce in the minors and told broadcaster Marty Brennaman that Bruce will make him forget any player ever to come out of the Reds system.

Contact this reporter at hmcccoy@

DaytonDailyNews.com.