By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

John Allen, in the press conference ushering out Barry Larkin, said the press conference that will usher in a new general manager isn't far off.

"We're down to eight candidates," Allen said. "I've gotten permission from all but one team to talk to them. We've started the process on the other. It shouldn't be a problem."

Omar Minaya, the Montreal Expos' GM, continues to top the Reds' list. Minaya will be in town with the Expos this weekend

Allen said the announcement probably will come "within three to four weeks."

Other candidates are all assistants GMs. The list is believed to include Florida's Dan Jennings, Toronto assistant GM Tony Lacava, Atlanta assistant general manager Frank Wren, Twins assistant GM Wayne Krivsky, Giants assistant GM Ned Colletti, Phillies assistant GM for player development and scouting Mike Arbuckle, Astros assistant GM Tim Purpura, A's assistant GM Paul DePodesta and Tigers assistant GM Al Avila.

Because several on the list will be involved in the postseason, the search could be slowed.

Minaya is the biggest name on the list, helping the Expos excel despite being bound by a limited payroll.