Sunday, November 20, 2005
Reds insider: Sweet Lou would be a nice addition
Much hinges on new ownership
By John Fay
Enquirer staff writer
Now that we know Lou Piniella met with the Reds CEO-to-be, we can only guess what they talked about. It's safe to say Lou didn't come to Cincinnati to get Robert Castellini's tips on finding fresh cantaloupe in Tampa.
Piniella is basically a free agent and the biggest name available.
That doesn't mean Castellini wants him to manage. He could bring Piniella in as a consultant or special scout.
Piniella has been mentioned for the Los Angeles Dodgers manager job. But he doesn't seem in a rush to get a job. He just recently negotiated a buyout of his contract with the Tampa Bay Devils Rays.
"I haven't pressed anything. I'll be quite honest with you. I've talked to a couple teams, but I basically haven't pressed anything," he told the Los Angeles Times. "I was going to take it easy for a while. I wouldn't be in a hurry to do anything."
So perhaps a scouting/adviser gig would be appealing. He could work out of Tampa - and remain available if the New York Yankees job opens after next season.
The Piniella situation is like all things Reds these days: We'll know a lot more when Castellini and his partners officially take over.
NO BOONE, MAYBE POKEY: The Reds have a need for a veteran middle infielder now that Rich Aurilia and the club have parted ways - at least for the time being.
Former Reds Bret Boone and Pokey Reese are available.
General manager Dan O'Brien said the Reds aren't interested in Boone but Reese is a possibility.
"I don't think Bret fits into our plans," O'Brien said. "With Pokey, we're still investigating it from a medical standpoint."
Reese missed all of last season after surgery on his right shoulder.
Reese would fit well into the Juan Castro defensive specialist role, although it would be nice to add someone closer to Aurilia's class offensively in case Edwin Encarnacion struggles at third.
MORE FREE AGENCY: O'Brien said that the Reds haven't brought any free agents in to visit Great American Ball Park.
"Most of the players we are talking to are familiar with our facilities," O'Brien said. "It's more of a case of us going to them."
Again, don't expect any big signings until Castellini takes over - well, don't expect any small signings either.
BURNS BABY BURNS: Right-hander Mike Burns, the waiver claim from Houston, will have a shot to make the club out of spring training.
Burns, 27, was 0-0 with 4.94 ERA in 29 appearances with the Astros this year. He split time between Houston and Triple-A Round Rock. He was 2-1 with a 2.10 ERA and 13 saves for Round Rock.
"He's been very effective since he became a full-time reliever in 2004," O'Brien said.
Burns is not overpowering.
"His strength is his control and command," O'Brien said.
Burns, a 30th round pick, had a breakout year in 2004 when he went 11-3 with 1.67 ERA in Double-A.
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.d...00420/1071/SPT