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.