By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Barry Larkin is coming back, but is manager Dave Miley and his staff?

Reds chief operating officer John Allen met with Miley and his coaches before Sunday's game.

"It was what we expected," bench coach Mark Berry said. "He told us that the new (general manager) and manager would have a say in picking the staff."

Miley, 41, who has spent his entire 24 years in the Reds organization, wants to be back. He feels he earned it with his .570 winning percentage managing in the minors.

"To be able to manage in the big leagues for an organization you've spent 24 years with is beyond words," Miley said. "No matter what happens, I'll be grateful for the chance."

The Reds finished 22-35 under Miley. But the club he inherited was riddled by injuries after being depleted by trades.

They played most of Miley's tenure with a Triple-A caliber roster.

"I think he did a great job with what he had," first baseman Sean Casey said. "He was in a tough situation. I think if you asked guys in here, 100 percent would want him back. He runs the ballclub really well and uses his staff well."

Miley's staff included Berry, pitching coach Don Gullett, third base/hitting coach Ray Knight, first base coach Jose Cardenal, bullpen coach Tom Hume and infield instructor Freddie Benavides.

Cardenal will not be back by his choice. He would like a position as a roving minor leaguer instructor.

"John (Allen) told me he would recommend me to the new GM," Cardenal said.

Gullett is under a multiyear contract, so he'll likely be back no matter whom the manager is.

Miley has been clear since he was named interim manager July 28 that he wants to be back.

"We're all wishing it will work out," he said. "But you can't beat yourself up worrying about it."