The Cincinnati Enquirer

If the Enquirer were in the race for the Reds general manager's job, here are 10 questions we'd ask John Allen during the interview.

1. Are the Reds on a two-year plan, a three-year plan, or do you expect to win in 2004? Is there a plan?

2. How much leeway would I have in firing personnel currently employed - scouts, minor-league staff, major-league staff and front-office assistants? And how much say will I have in new hirings?

3. From starting pitching to infielders and a fourth outfielder, this club needs to add players in a number of areas. How much money is ownership willing to commit to build a competitive team through trades and free agency? Essentially, what will player payroll be?

4. The previous general manager indicated there were a handful of untouchable players. What limits are there, if any, on trading players such as Ken Griffey Jr., Sean Casey and Danny Graves?

5. Looking around Major League Baseball, after which teams should the Reds model themselves?

6. Several Reds minor- and major-league players experienced arm- and shoulder-related injuries not only this year but in years past. Have you looked into this?

7. On the same topic, is there a need to examine and possibly rework the medical and conditioning staff throughout the organization?

8. What is the organization's commitment to signing its draft picks, and is it willing to beef up its presence in Latin America and abroad?

9. If Pete Rose is reinstated and allowed to coach or manage again, will the Reds want him back and, if so, in what capacity?

10. If you decide to offer me the job, are you willing to pay me as much as, or more than, the $650,000 Jim Bowden made last season?