This morning new Reds owner Bob Castellini relieved general manager Dan O'Brien of his duties. Brad Kullman, Reds Director of Major League Operations, will serve as interim general manager while a search for a new general manager takes place.

Castellini explained the move, saying “I want someone in this job who is my choice,” so it seems unlikely that Kullman will remain at the post long-term. However, Castellini was careful to point out in his press conference this afternoon that a full general manager search will take 3-4 weeks and may not be complete before spring training.

Castellini and Co., who were just approved to buy the team on Thursday, certainly aren't dragging their feet getting things done. Other fixtures in the Reds organization are probably feeling insecure these days, but Castellini foreshadowed this move in his introductory press conference on Friday. Dan O'Brien scarcely garnered a mention in that speech.

Reds fans everywhere are ecstatic. Dan O'Brien was a widely maligned figure in Cincinnati baseball. And I admit, it's hard not to get swept up in the excitement of something happening. I'm not one to confuse motion with progress, however, and I'll reserve judgement on whether this was a good move until we meet the replacement.

My most immediate question is whether O'Brien will be replaced on the Reds Caravan stop in Indianapolis on Thursday. All of the questions I'd formulated were directed at him.

Thanks Marc for the always-excellent timely blogging.

The Cincinnati Reds and starting pitcher Aaron Harang avoided arbitration today when they agreed on a one-year, $2.35 million deal. Harang was the one pitcher Reds fans felt like they could count on in 2005, despite his 11-13 record.

By retaining Harang, the Reds secure the ever-important looks-like-a-goth-factor, as this only slightly modified picture demonstrates. He doesn't have to limit his wickedness to the mound. BWHAHAHAHA!

Thanks to whomever made the original photo available online.

Marc says that the Reds have signed yet another player to a 1-year deal; this time it was Austin Kearns:

Continuing their transaction frenzy, the Reds have signed Austin Kearns to a one-year, $1.85 million deal.

Once again, that sounds like a pretty good number for the team. The Reds paid Kearns and Wily Mo Pena a combined $1.37 million last season and will pay the two outfielders a combined $3.1 million this year with more playing time all but guaranteed and much more production expected. If they follow through, the Reds will have some pretty good bang for their buck there.

I'm pleased. Kearns is among my favorites.

P.S. - I had said yesterday that I expected people to complain about the Valentín signing because it didn't deal with the pitching. I didn't call it: in fact, people are bitching about the Valentín signing because it wasn't a deal for Dunn. I suspect that people won't bitch about the Kearns deal, though, even though the same reason applies.

Marc says that the Reds signed catcher Javier Valentín this morning:

The Reds have avoided arbitration with Javier Valentin and signed him to a one-year, $1.15 million deal.

With Jason LaRue's signing just before Christmas, the Reds have brought back the most productive catcher duo in the majors (.268, 28 HR, 110 RBI between them) for just over $5 million this season. They made $3.45 million last year, so the Reds really couldn't have asked for more when it comes to the finances.

And before we knew it, they'd also signed Wily Mo Peña for a year for $1.25 million.

No word yet on why these are huge mistakes by O'Brien, but I'm confident that someone soon will come up with a reason. I imagine it will be something along the lines of “We shouldn't be wasting time signing yet another catcher when what we really need is pitchers” for Valentín and “We don't need crybaby players who whine to the press when they're unhappy about playing time” for Peña.

A long day of sitting in front of the computer, reloading Mr. Lancaster's blog has finally yielded the tidbit we've all been waiting for:

Rich Aurilia will be back with the Reds this season. He agreed tonight to a one-year, $1.3 million deal that also carries a mutual option for 2007 at $2 million. Not sure about a buyout.

That's a pretty good rate for the Reds, considering the market. Now we'll see if the roster stays put or this is a precursor to another deal.

I'm mildly surprised that Aurilia landed with the Reds again. When the Cardinals snapped up Junior Spivey for $1.2 million, it seemed like the market might have been stronger for Aurilia. Plus, the Reds infield is getting awfully crowded.

But I'm not complaining. I like Aurilia. And with Ryan Freel's shenanigans early this morning, the Reds might be glad to have the additional flexibility.