By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Reds general manager Dan O'Brien doesn't use the buddy system when putting together his staff. In fact, he goes the opposite way. That was evident when he revealed his list of finalists for Reds manager.

None of the finalists - Reds interim manager Dave Miley, former Chicago White Sox manager Jerry Manuel, Tampa Bay bench coach John McLaren or Pittsburgh player development director Brian Graham - has any history with O'Brien.

"I have no relationship - professionally or personally - with any of the four," O'Brien said.

That was intentional.

"We want to keep it as objective as possible," O'Brien said, "so we can make the best decision."

The Reds will interview Graham today; Manuel Thursday, McLaren Friday, and Miley either Sunday or Monday.

"That's in deference to Dave," O'Brien said. "He deserves ... that opportunity."

The new manager could be named as soon as Monday. O'Brien, assistant GM Brad Kullman and player development director Tim Naehring will conduct the interviews.

Miley has been tabbed the leading candidate since he was named to replace Bob Boone on July 28. The Reds were 22-35 under Miley, but trades and injuries pushed the talent level to Triple-A caliber.

O'Brien did not call Miley the leading candidate.

"In fairness to all four, I don't want to handicap it," he said. "All four are viable candidates."

O'Brien is looking for four things in candidates:

• Considerable experience as a manager. "We wanted someone who's been in a leadership position."

• Major-league coaching experience.

• A strong background in teaching and player development.

• The fourth criterion is key. "We want an individual who understands and appreciates the vision we have for the organization," O'Brien said.

That means the new manager must accept the develop-from-within philosophy O'Brien brings to the Reds.

Manuel, 49, is the only finalist who has held a permanent position as a big-league manager. He was 500-471 in his six years with the White Sox. He was dismissed the day after the season ended. The White Sox finished 86-76 and four games behind the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central.

Despite working in a big market, Manuel's team started this year with a $51 million payroll, down $6 million from the year before.

McLaren, 52, has spent the last 12 seasons on Lou Piniella's staff. McLaren hasn't managed in the minors since 1985, and never above Double-A. He did manage eight years in Winter Ball.

Graham, 43, had a 58.9 winning percentage in eight seasons as a minor-league manager with Cleveland. He also has worked for Baltimore and Florida.Final four at a glance

Dave Miley

Age: 41

Current: Interim Reds manager.

Record: 1,115-841 (.570) in the minors. Teams finished first or second 13 of 15 seasons in the minors. Went 22-35 as Reds manager.

The skinny: Still has to be considered the front-runner based on his record and his tenure with the organization.

As a player: Made it to Triple-A as a catcher.

Trivial matter: Was picked ahead of Eric Davis in the 1980 draft.

Jerry Manuel

Age: 49

Current job: Unemployed after being fired as Chicago White Sox manager in October.

Record: 500-471 (.515) in six years with the Sox. Won AL Central title in 2000. Was bench coach for 1997 World Champion Florida.

The skinny: By far the best known of the four and the only minority. As a player: Hit .150 in parts of five seasons in the majors.

Trivial matter: Daughter, Angela, made the 100-meter finals at the 2000 U.S. Olympic track trials.

Brian Graham

Age: 43

Current job: Director of player development for Pittsburgh.

Record: 704-491 (.589) in eight seasons as a minor league manager in Cleveland organization.

The skinny: The least known of the four, but has the player development skills Reds seek.

As a player: Played five seasons in the minors in four different organizations.

Trivial matter: Played football and baseball at UCLA. Was a member of 1978 Fiesta Bowl team.

John McLaren

Age: 52

Current job: Bench coach for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Record: Was 430-483 (.471) in eight seasons as a minor league manager. Been in pro baseball 34 years.

The skinny: Managing resume is thinnest of the bunch. He's Lou Piniella's right-hand man.

As a player: Hit .190 in parts of six big-league seasons as a catcher.

Trivial matter: First joined Piniella in Cincinnati as Reds third base coach in 1992.