Reports from league sources say that Bengals defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan and linebackers coach Ricky Hunley have both been fired.  Although the Bengals have not officially announced these moves, they should not shock the majority of fans.

Bresnahan has been fighting for his job since last season, and although the defense did show slight signs of improvement over the second half of the season, from where does the Hunley firing come?  The Bengals had more linebackers this year than the Reds have relievers with ERAs over 5.00.

You surely can't fault Hunley for a team that was fielding Robert Geathers at LB due to all the injuries/suspensions?  Honestly, playing linebacker for the Bengals has been an arduous task for a couple of years now.  Anyone remember in 2006 saying at game time, "Brian Simmons is not playing AGAIN?"

No offense, Marvin (if you had a say in this at all), but the Bengals need personnel, not coaching changes.  At least not this one.  Since David Pollack suffered that horrific injury and Odell Thurman was first suspended, this team has not been able to provide the players necessary to man the position.

You really think it was Ricky Hunley's fault that Corey Mays played so poorly?  No, Corey Mays should never be on the field except for maybe special teams.  This team's problem is personnel foremost, then coaching.

It was probably time for Bresnahan to go, especially with the wealth of talent floating around that could be the next defensive coordinator.  (Rex Ryan, anyone?)  And maybe Hunley's firing has more to do with the rumored move to a 3-4, but I doubt it.  It looks like he's just the scapegoat.

Francisco Cordero recently signed a four-year, $46 million deal to be the Reds closer.

Most Reds fans in this city were surprised and stunned when they heard the news. They couldn't believe the Reds were the ones ponying up the big bucks to swipe a big free agent from other teams. Plus, they were spending the loot wisely for once.

This was a banner day in the recent history of the Reds. This was a clear message to fans that the Reds, and owner Bob Castellini, were willing to spend money if they felt there was a player that would make a significant difference in the performance of the team.

It was the dawning of a new day down at Great American.  Now the previous closer, David "Stormy" Weathers, can become the 8th inning set-up man, and Jared Burton will move to the 7th inning bridge role.  There should be very little 7th and 8th inning heartbreak (i.e. blown leads).  Well, in theory at least.

But I wasn't surprised at the move at all. Nope. Not in the least.

Why? Because I read between the lines and saw the one common bond between the Reds and Cordero. A bond that no other owner or organization in the big leagues would have with Cordero.

Produce.  That's right. Produce.

Bob Castellini has made his millions (billions?) in produce and food distribution. So it would only be right that he would jump at the chance to do whatever it takes to acquire a man that goes by the nickname of "Coco" (as in bean, powder and Puffs the cereal).

In a further thread of symbiosis, the man representing Coco, and the one in most direct contact with Castellini, was named Bean (as in green, lima and pinto).

That's right. Coco Cordero's agent goes by the name Bean Stringfellow. It was a match made in Food Network heaven.

So the next time you are in the produce section of your local grocery story, ask yourself if you see any connections between the fruits and vegetables before you and 2008 MLB Free Agents.

If so, you may have spotted the next big free agent splash by the Reds.

Long Live Coco, Bean and the Produce King!

Update:  I have tried to find a food/produce theme with Edinson Volquez, who was acquired in the Josh Hamilton trade.  No luck.  If you can find any, leave your ideas in the comments.