So I was thinking about the Reds' letter to the fans... why?

At first, I thought it was a nice gesture. But then the more I thought about it, what purpose does it serve?

You know the Reds stink, and if Walt Jocketty and Bob Castellini didn't know the team stunk, I'd have bigger concerns.

Is there anything the Reds can say to you that would help? They want to win? That's the least I expect from them -- wanting to win. After that, what can they say to make you feel better?

Heck, they're not going to be much better next season and there aren't many free agents that can make a difference.

That said, anyone who thinks they could turn it around -- including Bob Castellini who panicked and canned Wayne Krivsky -- quickly don't understand baseball. It's not going to happen.

* Great job over at Who Dey Revolution on betting on Chris Henry.

* David Ross may get a shot at a World Series ring.

* Do you realize there's only ONE FREAKIN WEEK until college football start?

* A huge upset in the Olympics as Japan beat the US softball team for gold. Softball is in its last Olympics in part because the IOC said there's no global appeal, which means the US wins too much.

* Every once in a while, there's something I read and wish I'd written. Here's one of those things.

* Patterson Hood lists his Top 10 albums -- including the brilliant self-titled album from The Glands. I was just listening to that last night. If you can ever find it, buy it. Seriously.

* I don't know why this amuses me, but the fact Microsoft is trying to be hip by hiring Jerry Seinfeld amuses me. Yeah, nothing says 2008 like Jerry Seinfeld!