ST. LOUIS — Though the Reds finished their regular season Sunday with a 6-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium, they know the year's drama won't end until today, when manager Jack McKeon's fate could be determined.

        McKeon, whose job is said to be in jeopardy, and his coaching staff are scheduled to meet at 9 a.m. with general manager Jim Bowden. Though this meeting has been billed as a opportunity to discuss whether certain players fit the club's plans for 2001, few people within the organization think that's the only topic to be raised.

        McKeon's employment status became an issue after the Reds fell from contention in the National League Central Division. Their 85-77 record and second-place finish failed to meet the preseason expectations generated by last year's 96-67 campaign and the acquisition of center fielder Ken Griffey Jr.

        The timing of the meeting is unusual, since most teams hold such events before the season ends. Asked about the scheduling, McKeon said it was the first time since he became manager in mid-1997 that this meeting has been held after the final game.

        “I have no idea,” McKeon said when asked what he expected to happen this morning. “I imagine it's going to be player evaluations — and anything else that's on the agenda.”

        Others expressed their suspicion more directly.

        “Something's got to happen, just from the fact that this meeting was scheduled two weeks ago,” relief ace Danny Graves said. “I think everybody's curious about it.”

        Said one coach, “I definitely think it (McKeon's dismissal) is going to happen. He (Bowden) is going to go right down the line — "You're coming back; you're not.'”

Meeting today might settle McKeon's fate McKeon senses end is near Gullett may quit if McKeon goes Cardinals 6, Reds 2 Box, runs

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