Q, from Patrick in Newport: I have not heard much talk about who might be some candidates for the Reds skipper next season. We know Dave Miley will be given a legitimate opportunity, but who else do you think might be in the running. I feel like Davey Johnson would be a prime candidate, as he would bring a managing history of success, plus a familiarity with the city/organization. If I recall correctly, in his two full years here he took us to two straight first-place finishes (though one was wiped out by the strike). What do you think about him, or do you have any other thoughts on who might be a good candidate?

A: Johnson did finish first in each off two years as the Reds manager. But the Reds' payroll in 1994 and '95 was in the same ballpark as the Yankees. A big-name manager doesn't do a lot of good for a young rebuilding team. Lou Piniella found that out. I'm on record as saying Miley is the guy for the job.

Q, from Gary in Prospect, Ky.: Where does Dan O'Brien fit on the Sabremetrics vs. scouting spectrum? And if he is on one end, does he intend to round out his staff with some advocates of the opposite viewpoint?

A: O'Brien's background is as a scouting director. He went out of his way to thank some old-time scouts. So I don't think the Reds will go all-out Oakland A's and draft solely on stats. However, some of the top picks when O'Brien was with Houston, notably Billy Wagner and Craig Biggio, were college stars. Roy Oswalt was drafted out of out of high school.

Q, from Dan in Santa Barbara, Calif.: What's taking O'Brien so long to at least set up an appointment with Miley. I understand Boston is tossing his name around, any truth in at rumor? Since Ryan Dempster got cut today, how secure are guys like: Ruben Mateo, Reggie Taylor, Tim Hummel, Russell Branyan, John Bale all on the 40 man roster will they stay there? What's your opinion on future trades, any truth to Danny Graves, Sean Casey, Ken Griffey Jr.'s names being thrown around?

A: That's lot of ask, my man Dan. But here goes, O'Brien did talk to Miley but O'Brien has put the manager search on hold until after next week's GM meetings. The difference between Dempster and the players you mentioned? Dempster would have gotten at least $3 million in arbitration and he can't pitch till August. The Reds will listen to offers for Casey, Graves and Griffey but the list of teams willing to take on contracts is shorter than a 2-year-old's attention span.

Q, from Seth: I was wondering what it would take for the Reds to acquire Ritchie Sexson in a trade. Even if it is only for a year, would it be wise to bring him in? I don't think he makes much more than Casey does. What are yourthoughts? I think he could help.He's a fan favorite in Milwaukee,I think he could be the samein Cincinnati.

A: Sexson makes $8 million next year and is a free agent in 2005, so I don't see it happening. The Brewers would want prospects in exchange. The Reds -- with a firm commitment from to build from within -- are not going to do that.

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