With simmering third base coach Ron Oester unsure whether he wants to return and pitching guru Don Gullett unavailable for comment, Bob Boone could have as few as two or as many as four positions to fill on his 2001 field staff.

        Boone was diplomatic about Oester, who's under contract for next year. Oester was offered the manager's job Thursday but balked at the low salary proposal.

        “I think Ronnie's a very good baseball man,” Boone said. “I've gotten to know him a little bit more since he's been coaching here. I would hope he stays.”

        The most notable candidate to join the coaching staff is special assistant Bill Doran, the former infielder who previously was a minor-league baserunning instructor with the Reds.

        It's also possible that hitting coach Denis Menke and first base coach Dave Collins, members of this year's staff who weren't offered contract extensions, could come back.

        But Boone can be expected to bring in at least one person he's familiar with. Regulars on his Kansas City staffs included Guy Hanson, Bruce Kison, Greg Luzinski, Mitchell Page and Jamie Quirk.

        “There's people I have in my mind that I think would make great coaches,” Boone said Friday. “I've probably got a list of 40, and I'm sure my wife's taking calls right now from another 40.”

        Bench coach Ken Griffey Sr., who is signed through 2001, will return, though there is a possibility he'll switch to hitting coach. Griffey's failed attempt to secure the managerial job won't dampen his enthusiasm to serve under Boone, the new manager said.

        “The first thing I did this morning was call him. We had a great conversation,” said Boone, who added that he hopes to meet with Griffey next week in Florida.

        Bullpen coach Tom Hume also will be back for his sixth consecutive season.

        Boone unsuccessfully tried to contact Gullett, who was on a hunting trip.

        “I had the opportunity to work with Don in '94. I thought we worked well together,” said Boone, who was manager Davey Johnson's bench coach that year. “I'm excited about him being here. I'm assuming he's coming back.”