By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

PITTSBURGH - Omar Minaya isn't ready to talk with the media about the Reds' general manager job. Minaya declined a request to be interviewed Tuesday.

"He's concentrating on finishing the season here," a Montreal Expos spokesman said.

Minaya hasn't commented specifically on the Reds' opening, although insiders say he's high on the club's list.

When asked about other openings, Minaya has said he's keeping his options open. Minaya's two-year contract with Major League Baseball to serve as Expos GM expires at the season's end.

Reds chief operating officer John Allen said Sunday that the Reds had not yet begun formal interviews for the position.

Minaya will be in Cincinnati Sept. 26-28 when the Expos close the regular season at Great American Ball Park.

LEFT OR LEFT OUT: With Ryan Freel's return to the lineup, Wily Mo Pena started in left field and Freel in center.

Pena got word to manager Dave Miley that he wasn't comfortable in left and preferred playing in center.

Miley got word back to Pena that he was playing left or not playing.

Pena started Tuesday's game in left field.

SOLID CORK: Corky Miller got his first extended playing time over the last four days, as catcher Jason LaRue nursed a sore back.

Miller passed the test.

"He's done a good job," Miley said. "He stayed close with (pitching coach Don Gullett), learning the hitters."

Miller is penciled in as the No. 2 catcher next year. The Kelly Stinnett trade opened the spot for Miller. Miley, who has had Miller for parts of three seasons at Triple-A Louisville, thinks he's ready.

"No question," Miley said.

Miller, 27, was named the top defensive catcher earlier this year in a poll of International League managers.

Miller isn't the type to ponder the future. He said he was more than happy to go to Triple-A this spring, although his defensive skills are major-league caliber.

"Just to get to play every day is great," he said. "Being down there with Miley and a pitching coach like Mack Jenkins, I learned a lot. It was a great time. We had that 12-game winning streak. The opportunity to play there was great."

UP NEXT: The Reds play the third game of the four-game series against the Pirates tonight at 7:05. Right-hander Seth Etherton (2-3, 6.52 ERA) faces right-hander Jeff D'Amico (8-15, 4.64).