This and that

• Hot stove: Freep.com's Agent: Tigers looking at Darren Oliver mentions that Detroit also has contacted representatives for David Weathers, among others. Weathers told MLB.com Wednesday he's flipped the page and doesn't expect to return to Cincinnati.

Jerry Hairston, on the other hand, is grateful the Reds gave him a chance, and MLB.com reports Hairston will see what he's worth but is open to returning to Cincinnati.

MLB.com reports that Ned Colletti is not trying to deal Russell Martin, a catcher many fans would love to see the Reds pursue.

As a note at the conclusion of World Series champ Manuel finishes behind Cubs' Piniella for NL Manager of Year, philly.com's David Murphy mentions that former Reds GM Wayne Krivsky is interviewing with the Phillies. He'd be an assistant to GM Ruben Amaro, who fired his assistant last week.

And Ken Griffey, Jr. Named New Spokesperson for Power Ice.

• Also, redsminorleagues.com offers a Yonder Alonso update, about how he's impressing in the Hawaiian Winter League and hit a walk-off in the 10th Wednesday night.

• More from philly.com?: That's right. Believed to be the first Pick 6 post with two different links from your favorite site about all things Philadelphia. Ashley Fox writes about how Chad Johnson credits Donovan McNabb for his attitude adjustment, just in time for the upcoming Bengals-Eagles showdown.

• Chick Ludwig's notebook is again worth reading, with good quotes from Marvin on Carson Palmer and Antwan Odom on having no regrets about leaving the Titans (9-0) for the Bengals (1-8).

Odom's probably going to miss Sunday's game against the Eagles, BTW.

• Good story from ProFootballTalk.com about how former Bengal Gus Frerotte is disputing a report by FOX's Pam Oliver that Frerotte's teammates were tuning him out as he tried to encourage them during Sunday's Packers-Vikings game.

• Brian Kelly said Wednesday night that Dustin Grutza will not be the No. 2 quarterback Friday night against Louisville because he's not ready. Chazz Anderson will be the backup to Tony Pike.

Also, I've noticed ESPN.com's Brian Bennett likes to blog about the Bearcats (he does live in Louisville). Check out his latest, Cincinnati inching toward 'big-time' status. And he also offers a primer on how UC and others could win the Big East title.

• Non-local link of the day: Luke Winn's Hoops Ideology Report on SI.com is pretty fascinating and definitely worth reading, though I didn't see any specific references to Xavier, Miami or UC (though Andy Kennedy and Herb Sendek are mentioned), which is why it's the non-local link.