Sunday, October 17, 1999
Reds coaching staff may not change much
Collins, Oester may not go with Bell
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
NEW YORK — The buzz at the National League Championship Series was that Reds Managing Executive John Allen has received the go-ahead from ownership to start negotiating with manager Jack McKeon on a contract extension.
That was news to McKeon, who said Saturday from his Elon College, N.C. home, “I haven't heard a thing.”
But if that scenario is true, McKeon's likely to rejoin a coaching staff that's similar to this year's.
Despite the sudden vacancy created in Cleveland by Mike Hargrove's firing, Buddy Bell remains on track to become the Colorado Rockies' next manager and could be hired as early as this week.
Bell, the Reds' director of player development, confirmed that he'll meet this week with Rockies officials.
It has been widely reported that Bell will emerge as a candidate for the Indians' opening. But, he said, “Right now, the way it looks, I'm going to be the manager in Colorado or stay in Cincinnati. I can't talk about (Cleveland) one way or the other.”
Reds General Manager Jim Bowden could not be reached for comment on whether the Indians have sought permission to interview Bell.
“I'm really, really happy with what I'm doing with the Reds. I don't have to manage,” said Bell, seeking a resolution to his employment future.
Bell won't attend the Reds' organizational meetings that begin this week in Sarasota, Fla., “because this (Colorado) thing's pending, and that's understandable.”
Wherever Bell goes, he won't necessarily be taking Reds coaches Dave Collins and Ron Oester with him, as previously speculated.
Collins, the Reds' first-base coach who also handled outfield and baserunning instruction, and Oester, the third-base and infield coach, were said to be part of Bell's prospective staff.
But sentiment is strong within the Reds organization to keep both.
Moreover, several Colorado coaches are under contract and may stay. It has become common knowledge within baseball circles that the only Cincinnati personnel who might bolt with Bell are minor-league coordinators Toby Harrah and Fred Kendall.
Collins didn't want to jump to conclusions about his situation.
“I'll probably sign after the manager signs,” he said from his Cincinnati home. “I don't want to tie the manager's hands or the organization's hands into being stuck with me.”
For personal and professional reasons, Collins also expressed a desire to stick with the Reds.
“I played here for seven years. I'd really like to stay,” he said.
“I'm with a great group of players, and I want to be in that situation again.”
Bench coach Ken Griffey Sr. remains a likely member of McKeon's staff to depart.
Griffey interviewed Friday for the Milwaukee Brewers' managerial vacancy and is said to have a decent chance to secure that job, though he might face competition from New York Yankees coach Willie Randolph.
Griffey, who'll leave next week to manage Santurce in the Puerto Rican Winter League, also may become a leading candidate to be the Chicago Cubs' manager if Don Baylor goes to the Anaheim Angels instead.
Reds Stories
 Reds coaching staff may not change much
|
'Akili Matata,' Bengals fans
Bengals, Steelers want respect
By the numbers
Who's got the edge?
Bengals risk alienating Dillon
UC freshmen take spotlight
Five questions with Bob Huggins
ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAN 24, UC 21
UC NOTEBOOK
Six-foot-10 recruit to visit Xavier
With Martinez, it was never a contest
Morgan's knowledge second to none
NLCS: Mets 3, Braves 2
PENN STATE 23, OHIO STATE 10
OHIO STATE NOTEBOOK
KENTUCKY 31, LSU 5
KENTUCKY NOTEBOOK
MIAMI 17, KENT 10
Mount St. Joseph 46, Franklin College 29
Thomas More 42, Bethel 0
Alexander steps up Heisman bid
Conditioning top priority for winded Wildcats
Expansion means a weaker C-USA
Deaf golfer comes into his own
La Salle wins GCL cross country
League cross country titles decided
St. Xavier plans stadium upgrade
This week's football schedule
Ursuline golfers win state
CHCA's Falk wins 3rd district tennis title
CINCINNATI HIGH SCHOOL RESULTS
N.KY. HIGH SCHOOL RESULTS
Volleyball title not enough for Campbell Co.
CHICAGO 3, CYCLONES 0
Cincinnati boxer shows why he's No. 1
Hughes in NBA camp, but spot not certain
LOUISVILLE 3, MIGHTY DUCKS 2
Reds page
