Q. At your initial press conference, you said you understand that playing at a championship level is what is expected. Do you think as the rotation is comprised right now that you can get there? ... JOE GIRARDI: Yes, I do. It is our job to get there as a club, as an organization. And yeah, the pitchers are young. Phil Hughes got valuable experience last year. Joba Chamberlain got valuable experience. Ian Kennedy, even though his experience was a little bit shorter, was very valuable.    more »

The Milwaukee Brewers today signed right-handed pitcher David Riske to a three-year contract worth a reported $13 million.

Riske, 31, spent last season with Kansas City, where he went 1-4 with a 2.45 ERA and 4 saves in 65 relief appearances.  After struggling with a 6.97 ERA in April (10.1ip, 8er), he went on to post a 1.67 ERA the rest of the season (59.1ip, 11er).  His overall 2.45 ERA ranked 11th among American League relievers in 2007 (minimum 50.0 innings).

Also...

The Reds traded OF Buck Coats to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for a player to be named later or cash.

Coats, 25, last season appeared in 127 games at Class AAA Iowa and Louisville and in 20 games for the Reds. He was claimed off trade waivers from the Cubs on August 28.