On the recent Reds Winter caravan, Manager Dusty Baker and the organization are considering trying Yonder Alonso as a Catcher. With Joey Votto firmly entrenched at 1b, the Reds have no choice but try him at a new position.

“Imagine a left-handed, power-hitting catcher,” said Baker. Oh, we’ll try, but Alonso has never played another position besides first base, even during his time with the University of Miami. Just how he’ll fit into a lineup with Joey Votto is a real question, but sticking him behind the plate is a tremendous leap.

Yonder Alonso, 23 , batted .292 with nine home runs and 52 RBI in his first full year in the minors last season. There also have been rumors of Votto moving to LF, reminiscent of Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers. But due to Votto’s mental issues, I doubt the Reds will move him anytime soon.

The Reds acquired infielder Aaron Miles and a player to be named later from the Athletics on Monday in exchange for outfielder Willy Taveras and infielder Adam Rosales. Miles, 33, batted .185 in 74 games with the Cubs in 2009 before being traded to the A’s. Over his seven big league seasons with the White Sox, Rockies, Cardinals and Cubs, Miles is a .282 career hitter with a .322 on-base percentage.

The Reds cut some payroll with this acquisition and land another journeyman/pinch hitter. He has played 2b, ss, and 3b in his career. And, he won a World Series ring with St. Louis in 2006.

We give up Willy Taveras who frankly wasn’t good enough last season to earn any playing time. I say, good riddance to him and his contract. And, we also gave up scrappy Adam Rosales. We all know how Cincinnati takes to the hard working scrappy ball players. And, he was definitely a fan favorite.

Walt Jocketty confirmed on Saturday that he has indeed offered Jonny Gomes a minor league contract. We are currently competing with the Chicago Cubs for his services.

His power in the middle of this lineup makes a lot of sense. The only problem is we have 5 other LF candidates already. His power probably gives him an edge over the others.

A Major League source told MLB.com late Saturday night that the Reds agreed to terms with free-agent shortstop Orlando Cabrera on a one-year, $3 million contract.

The deal includes a $3 million option for 2011 that carries a $1 million buyout. It was not yet known if it was a player or club option on the contract.

Cincinnati’s offer comes with the chance for Cabrera to play shortstop, the position he’s played for most of his career. Both the Rockies and Cabrera’s other suitor, the Nationals, only had opportunities at second base.

Slick-fielding Paul Janish had assumed the shortstop position after the Reds dealt Alex Gonzalez in August, but they have spent the winter seeking a stronger offensive option.

Entering his 14th big league season, Cabrera, 35, batted .284 with nine home runs, 77 RBI and a .313 on-base percentage in 160 games combined last season with the A’s and Twins. He helped Minnesota reach the postseason after his trade from Oakland.

Wow, the Reds are making some good moves. With Cabrera here that gives the Reds a very competitive infield. All-Stars at 1st and 2nd base with former All-Stars at SS and 3b gives us a chance to win this year. I believe they can compete for a wild card spot if they get stellar starting pitching. The offense is good enough to win.

The Reds signed 36 year old utilityman Miguel Cairo to a one year contract. He received an invitation to Spring Training. He played for the Phillies last season. But he spent most of the season in the minors.

The Reds love to stockpile guys who play multiple positions. He will compete with Adam Rosales for the infield utility guy. He does give a veteran presence to the locker room. But, I see no value with this pick other than to have some numbers in Spring Training.

Bronson Arroyo gets a movie role due to the Jersey Shore cast saying no. Bronson and former Red Eduardo Perez will get cameos in the upcoming movie produced by Irena Angeliades. The film will also star former Soprano’s stars William DeMeo and Vincent Pastore, as well as Ice-T and Armand Assante.

I have never watched the Jersey Shore but I know it’s more mindless dribble on MTV. I hope Bronson wins the Academy Award for his role.

The Reds signed injured relief pitcher Jose Arredondo. He underwent Tommy John surgery and will not pitch this season. He was a dominant set-up man with Angels until he developed arm problems.

This reclamation project could pay huge dividends for the Reds in 2011. A cheap set-up pitcher or even closer for the purpose of dumping salary.

The Reds also signed reliever Nick Masset to a new 2 year deal worth 2.58 million. Nick is the heir apparent to closer Francisco Cordero. If the Reds are out of contention come August, I believe they will try and move Cordero and make Masset the closer.

He definitely has closer stuff. His sinker is nasty. He was among the league leaders last season in groundballs with 54%. Last season in 76 innings, he had 2.37 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. If Dusty handles him correctly, a BIG IF, he should be the right-handed set-up man for the Reds. I hope they don’t try and stretch him out as a starter again this spring.