I don't see where Saltalamacchia is this huge upgrade over Mesoraco. He is coming off the best season of his career, while being benched during the World Series. His current team didn't even want to risk him accepting a QO.
Mesoraco has not been given a great chance to prove himself here, but if the Reds want to move on, there may be better options out there than Salty.
Salty: 2203 PA, 246/310/428, plus he Ks about 30% of the time.
Whichever way the Reds go this offseason, I am excited that Jocketty and Price have talked these things out, and seem to be moving forward on the same page. Something that Walt and Dusty never seemed to be on.