Whisler is only coaching casualty
Narron asks all others to return
By John Fay
Enquirer staff writer
Reds manager Jerry Narron said he had the power to choose his coaching staff.
So it was his choice to invite back everyone from last year's staff - except first base coach Randy Whisler.
"I called Randy Whisler (Friday) to tell him he won't be back," Narron said. "Everyone (else) will be back - unless they don't want to be."
That group includes hitting coach Chris Chambliss, pitching coach Vern Ruhle, third base coach Mark Berry, bullpen coach Tom Hume, bench coach John Moses and bullpen catcher Mike Stefanski.
Given the tenuous situation the Reds are in - Narron and general manager Dan O'Brien are under contract for only 2006 - Narron understands if some coaches want to look elsewhere.
"Everyone wants a 10-year deal and to make lots of money," he said. "But I hope they're back with the Cincinnati Reds."
The most marketable of the coaches is Chambliss. He said after the season he would like to return.
The Reds have made great offensive strides under Chambliss. The year before he took over, they were 13th in the National League in runs and slugging percentage and 14th in on-base percentage. Last year, they were 10th in runs and ninth in slugging and on-base percentage. This season, they were first in runs and slugging and fourth in on-base percentage.
Ruhle was promoted from minor-league pitching coordinator to big-league pitching coach the same day Narron took over as interim manager for Dave Miley. The Reds had 5.66 team ERA before the change and 4.77 after it.
Whisler was also the infield instructor, so whomever replaces him likely will take over that job.