On pitching in general and Cueto in particular

I talked to a scout last night who has seen quite a bit of Johnny Cueto.

"I've got him making the team out of spring training," he said. "He really competes. His stuff is good. He's got good command and he can racket up his fastball when he has to."

I mention this because it appears the Reds are hedging their bets, if they can't trade for a starter. (And, by the way, it sounded like Dusty Baker thought they were getting Dontrelle Willis). Anyway, there are reports the Reds have talked to the agents for Brett Tomko, Jon Lieber and Glendon Rusch.

It's nice to bring in veteran guys, but it seems to me it's rarely worked with the Reds. See Joe Mays, et al. I'd rather roll the dice with a young guy than hope an older guy can find himself again. The problem is Reds would be rolling the dice with three young guys -- Cueto, Homer Bailey and Matt Belisle.