Question, from Chad in Chicago: How likely is it that Montreal's Omar Minaya will become the new Reds general manager? How likely is it that the Yankees' Joe Torre would say goodbye to George Steinbrenner and manage in Cincinnati next season?

Answer: I think there's a reasonably good chance Minaya will get the job. There's little chance he will want to stay with the Expos, given their unstable situation. As for Torre, there's a good chance he'll say goodbye to George, but I don't see him ending up in Cincinnati. He would have his pick of manager's jobs should he part with the Yankees, and the Reds don't rate as highly on the pay scale or the chance-to-win-quickly scale.

Q, from Jim: I'm sick and tired of Enquirer sportswriters bashing the Reds. You are supposed to be the experts, and it amazes me that you can't see all the good they are doing with their trades.

A: I've written numerous times that the Reds have a chance to be competitive if they keep the payroll at $55 million or so. The current team - even when healthy - has a tremendous number of holes to fill. The team was last in fielding and pitching before the trades and injuries. The young pitchers may turn that around, but they are prospects - not sure bets.

Q, from Roberto: We have a voucher for two people for a Reds game. We have a 2 year old. Will we have to buy a ticket for him to come to the game or will he be free?

A: Not unless he's really tall. Children under 33 inches of height are admitted free.

Q, from Harold in Ruston, La.: I read your piece about the eight new arms and their prospects for reaching the majors. What I didn't see were the names of the so-called great young arms the Reds were supposed to have in their minor league system this year. What happened to them?

A: The piece was on the new guys, but old farmhands will be in the mix for next year as well. Dustin Moseley and Josh Hall both have a shot at making the club out of spring training. Bobby Basham and Ty Howington are coming off rough years, but they could re-establish themselves. Ricardo Aramboles and Luke Hudson are coming off surgeries, but when healthy, they have some of the best stuff in the organization.

Q, from R.L: Given the struggles Aaron Boone is having in New York, do you think there is a chance he might consider a return to Cincinnati after the season?

A: Doubtful. Boone is arbitration-eligible. The Yankees would have to non-tender him for him to become a free agent. That's unlikely, since they gave up a top prospect for him.

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E-mail jfay@enquirer.com

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