Odds & Ends: Reds, Brewers, Astros

Some afternoon links:

• Dusty Baker's job may not be safe in Cincinnati, writes Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune.  Owner Bob Castellini "reportedly has his eye on the Cardinals tandem of manager Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan."  Both men could go elsewhere if they so choose.  La Russa's contract expires at the end of the year and Duncan holds an option on a deal he signed around this time last year.
• Rogers also says that the Brewers are telling teams they don't plan to trade Prince Fielder.  They are, however, looking for pitching in return for J.J. Hardy and Mat Gamel.  Recent comments by GM Doug Melvin and assistant GM Gord Ash indicated that Gamel will be on the trading block this winter.
• Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle implores the Astros to hire Jim Fregosi as their next manager.  However, Justice says that former Nats skipper Manny Acta has the "inside track."
• Cubs' broadcaster Bob Brenly had "informal talks" with Nationals GM Mike Rizzo earlier this year about their managerial vacancy, writes Dave Van Dyck of the Chicago Tribune.  The former D-Backs skipper said that it was "way too premature" for Washington to make a decision at that point.  Brenly has been interviewed by several teams in recent years, including the Cubs and Brewers.