By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

SARASOTA, Fla. - Carlos Tosca knows something about paying dues. That's why the Blue Jays' manager said Friday he was glad fellow Tampa native Dave Miley's loyalty to the Reds was rewarded with a chance to manage the team.

Tosca had managed 1,759 minor-league games when the Blue Jays promoted in June 2002.

"A lot of people have asked me what I would like to accomplish by doing this . . . It's so guys like (Miley) could have an opportunity," said Tosca, who scouted Miley in high school and later managed against him in the minors. "He has certainly paid his dues in the minor leagues, and he's been very successful doing it."

Miley managed 1,956 minor-league games before taking over as interim Reds manager in July. He signed a one-year contract with a club option for 2005 during the offseason.

Tosca and Miley are two of four active major-league managers from Tampa. Lou Piniella (Devil Rays) and Tony La Russa (Cardinals) are the others.

"Tampa's always been very passionate about their baseball and take a lot of pride in it," Tosca said. "It's probably a coincidence more than anything else."

WAIT AND SEE: Rule 5 pitcher D.J. Mattox will have his right elbow, which had been a source of some discomfort last week, examined by team medical director Dr. Timothy Kremchek on Sunday.

Reds general manager Dan O'Brien said the team is in no hurry to make a decision on Mattox's status for the upcoming season.

"We don't have to make a decision really until the end of spring training," O'Brien said. "We're not, at this juncture, inclined to rush that."

The Reds must keep Mattox on the major-league roster or risk losing him. He first would have to be offered on waivers and then to the Mets for $25,000 - half the price of claiming him. Only then could the Reds send Mattox to the minors.

GETTING BACK: Shortstop Felipe Lopez said he expects to play against the Twins on Sunday.

Lopez is recovering from July surgery to repair a dislocated left ankle and has not played.

"I'm not anxious," he said. "I'm just ready to play."

ADDED TO THE MIX: The competition for the final two spots in the starting rotation could expand.

In addition to Brandon Claussen, Aaron Harang, Jose Acevedo and Todd Van Poppel, O'Brien mentioned Jesus Sanchez, Aaron Myette and Mike Matthews as possible candidates Friday.

All three have experience as starters and relievers. Myette is 6-12 with an 8.08 ERA in 30 career major-league starts. Sanchez went 9-12 with a 5.34 ERA in 32 starts with the Marlins in 2001. Matthews has started 10 major-league games, all with the Cardinals in 2001, going 2-4 with a 5.13 ERA.

ODDS ANDS ENDS: Outfielders Ken Griffey Jr. and Austin Kearns, infielders Felipe Lopez and Barry Larkin and catchers Jason LaRue and Corky Miller will not travel to today's game in Clearwater. . . . The Reds' spring training home opener Friday drew 3,164 fans to Ed Smith Stadium, the smallest opening day crowd since 1999. . . . Pitcher Jimmy Haynes will throw his second eight-minute bullpen session today.