By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The big subject with e-mailers this week was why I mentioned race in the story about assistant general manager Doc Rodgers' reassignment. I got a dozen e-mails all with the same theme. The one I answered is similar to the others. Read on:

Q, from Greg in Cincinnati: Why does race matter? I didn't read anything in your story that indicated race had any relevance to the Reds' recent front-office changes. Yet you explicitly identified the race of two individuals in your story, while implicitly identifying the race of Brad Kullman but not citing it.

A: I think given the Reds' history, race does matter. Rodgers was one of the highest-ranking African-Americans in baseball. The Reds made a point of it when he was hired. Have you read any story about Notre Dame football coach Tyrone Willingham that didn't mention his race? Believe me, demoting a black executive without reason is something that catches Major League Baseball's attention.

Q, from John in Anderson Township: Looks like Boy Wonder Jim Bowden is still running and mismanaging the Reds like a tinhorn dictator. I hope they don't renew his contract next year. The Reds will never have any stability in any aspect of their organization until they get rid of this self-serving clown.

A: Bowden's chance for renewal rests on the Reds' fortunes next season. Rodgers' reassignment gives the Reds five special assistants. That's a lot for a club strapped for money. I flatly didn't understand the move with Rodgers. From the outside looking in, I saw a well-respected, competent guy who is well-versed on the rules affecting contracts, and someone who had played and coached.

Q, from Tony: How did the Reds ever let Benito Santiago go? Was it a financial matter or another one of Bowden's moves like he did this year with the fine player (outfielder Juan Encarnacion) he sent to Florida?

A: Financial. Santiago made a little more than $2 million this year with the Giants. He made $600,000 with the Reds in 2000. They elected to go with Jason LaRue and Kelly Stinnett in 2001 because it was a cheaper alternative. Had the Reds known Santiago, who was still recovering from an automobile accident in 2000, was going to turn around his career the way he did, they might have re-signed him.

Q, from Chris in Chattanooga: How will Great American Ball Park affect the Reds' payroll/budget for 2003? In other words, what will Bowden be permitted to do in free agency this winter?

A: Right now, it's just a guess, but I'd say between $10 million and $15 million. That would raise the payroll to $55 million-$60 million. The Reds won't know for sure until late November.

Q, from Craig in Conneaut Lake, Pa.: Has next year's TV schedule been released yet? I know they are looking at adding 15 more games to the TV lineup, but I wondered if the 85 approved games had been scheduled yet. Also, who are the top available free agents and what are the Reds' chances for each one? Do we have a shot at any quality starter? Do you think Brandon Larson will be an everyday player next year? And to what do they attribute Adam Dunn's horrendous finish?

A: That's a lot of questions. No, the TV schedule hasn't been released. They are waiting for times to do that. There are 182 potential free agents, so I'm not going to list them all. Atlanta Braves aces Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine are the big fish. The Reds could have a shot at someone such as Kansas City Royals right-hander Paul Byrd. It depends on the budget and the market. With Larson, the guess is no. As for Dunn, the Reds hope it was a slump that snowballed.

E-mail jfay@enquirer.com