Every Thursday, 7IS Contributor Ryan Henning will take a look at a rumor burning up the hot stove. You may not think it’s important, but it must be important to someone.

This week, we take a look at the news that the Milwaukee Brewers have signed Norris Hopper and the Mets added Bobby Livingston. This was naturally reported (tweeted) by Reds beat writer Mark Sheldon.Why? Because Hopper and Livingston were former Reds and now they aren’t. Small market teams like to keep tabs on their former stars players. Twins fans still like to keep up to day on Marty Cordova. But enough about the Twins. What does this all mean?

- Mark Sheldon’s journalistic career, his degree, all his connections have led to him tweeting about Norris Hopper.

- The world finally gets to see my mad skills in Microsoft paint. It’s my fault that Mr. Redlegs’ fingers are mangled, not the rolling suitcase. Of course, if he is using a rolling suitcase, maybe that explains why the Reds aren’t strong enough to put together a complete season anymore.

- Bobby Livingston will almost certainly not compete for a role with Jason Bay.

- The Reds will now have to find their AAAA outfielder from within. Drew Stubbs accepts that challenge.

- The Reds will continue their offseason theme: HEY EVERYONE LOOK WE SIGNED AROLDIS CHAPMAN!