This and that

• Rockies trade rumors: FoxSports.com reported that the Reds are interested in three Colorado Rockies: center fielder Willy Taveras, catcher Yorvit Torrealba and third baseman Garrett Atkins.

Walt Jocketty confirmed the two clubs had talked.

"We've let clubs know our position. We're looking for catching, center field, shortstop and a right-handed RBI guy," Jocketty said.

So you could see how the rumor started if it's not true.

The Rocky Mountain News says the Reds are not at all interested in Taveras or Torrealba, only inquiring about Atkins.

If that's the case, that would be a huge relief. Willy Taveras' on-base percentage was .308 and his slugging percentage was .296, lowest among players who qualified for the batting title. I really don't think we want to replace Corey Patterson - one of the worst centerfielders in Reds' history (based on his stats last season) - with someone who doesn't get on much more often. Taveras had 68 stolen bases last year, but you can't steal first.

I don't think Torrealba is the answer at catcher. He's a backup. And the Rocky Mountain News points out that the Reds would prefer a left-handed-hitting catcher (also one who's not arbitration eligible) to complement Ryan Hanigan.

I also explained yesterday that I'd hate to see them give up a lot for Atkins, for that matter. I'm not too worried, though, considering three other teams (Phillies, Angels and Twins) reportedly are pursuing Atkins.

By the way, have you seen how pathetic the free-agent centerfielder market is this offseason? Wow. Put it this way: Corey Patterson is mentioned among the cream of the crop. Barring a blockbuster trade, I really wouldn't have a problem with running Chris Dickerson out there in the spring. He was impressive enough in 2008 that he deserves a shot.

• Also from Denver, NFL.com was right: The Broncos brought back Tatum Bell. You'll recall Bell was accused of stealing Rudi Johnson's bags when Rudi replaced him on the Lions' roster earlier this season.

• Good piece from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about what exactly is wrong with Big Ben. Not local, you say? Come on, he went to Miami and the Steelers are in the AFC North. Roethlisberger stories are fair game.

• More love for MU: Feature from the Dayton Daily News about Tyler Dierkers, a local kid (Moeller) entering his senior year as a RedHawk.

• More love for the DDN: In his notebook, Chick Ludwig's got a good item about Bengals rookie Jerome Simpson. I think even though the Bengals have had a lot of really lousy draft picks in the past and we've come to expect even first- and second-round picks to not amount to anything, it's important to continue to keep track of these guys and not just let them disappear and steal paychecks.

• ESPN's Sports Guy ranks the Bengals 27th and mention Ryan Fitzpatrick, Gus Johnson's call of the win against Jacksonville and former Bengal Gus Frerotte (make sure you read the Minnesota Vikings' entry ... great take). Anyway, Bill Simmons' powerful glimpse into the future and ranking of all 32 NFL teams is so much more entertaining than National NFL writer's weekly Power Rankings.

• Non-local link of the day: For some clown to omit Lea Thompson from "All the Right Moves" from his Hottest Ladies in Sports Movies (That Actually Had Legit Roles) list is more than just a minor oversight. Pretty egregious, don't you think?