By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Reds general manager Dan O'Brien's recommendation for the Reds manager job at one time may have been Brian Graham, Pittsburgh's director of player development.

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But O'Brien says the decision to go with Miley was not forced on him.

"To say anything but that I have 100 percent unqualified support of Dave Miley is untrue," O'Brien said.

O'Brien chose not to discuss what went into the final decision or who ultimately made it.

"In deference to Dave, that's patently unfair," he said.

Graham did not return calls Friday. But baseball insiders say Graham told people he had O'Brien's recommendation.

O'Brien picked the finalists and interviewed them along with player development director Tim Naehring and assistant GM Brad Kullman.

Graham was particularly impressive in the interview.

Chief operating officer John Allen and chief executive officer Carl Lindner became involved at the completion of the interviews.

Allen wouldn't say whether he or Lindner "intervened" on Miley's behalf.

"We went through a very thorough process," Allen said. "At the end of the day, we picked Dave Miley."

Getting to know Dave Miley

Favorite TV show: NYPD Blue. I watch the reruns all the time.

Favorite movie: I've got a lot, but I'd go with Shawshank Redemption.

Perfect meal: Steak and potatoes.

Last book read: I just got done reading Sports Illustrated. To be honest, it's been a while since I've read a book.

Last job he worked outside of baseball: I worked at a Christmas tree lot in Tampa. But that was a while ago.

What would you be doing if you weren't managing baseball? I don't know. I had the good fortune of not having to face that.

Biggest influence: My dad, Charles. He worked for the electric company in Tampa. He did a little bit of everything - setting poles, working the lines.

Hero: Johnny Bench. Growing up in Tampa (where the Reds trained then), he was the guy I wanted to be.

Are you moving to Cincinnati? Yes. We're looking for a place right now. It's a great place to live.

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E-mail jfay@enquirer.com