By John Fay
Enquirer staff writer
The Reds continue to remake the front office with general manager Dan O'Brien's people.
Vern Ruhle, who was the pitching coach last year at rookie ball Billings, has taken over as the minor league pitching coordinator.
He takes over for Sammy Ellis, who was the pitching coordinator for five years. Ellis will continue with the club as a roving instructor.
Ruhle, 53, spent the seven years prior to joining the Reds as a major league pitching coach - 1997-2000 with Houston, 2001-02 with Philadelphia and 2003 with the New York Mets.
His connection to O'Brien goes back to 1996 when Ruhle was minor league pitching coordinator for the Houston Astros when O'Brien was director of player development.
"Organizationally we have a great deal of confidence in Vern," O'Brien said. "We look for him to make a significant impact."
Pitching coordinator is an important position for the Reds, who are committed to developing pitching in order to return to competitiveness.
The Reds are close to naming a field coordinator to replace Ron Oester.
SABES TO DAYTON: Chris Sabo, who spent last year as the hitting coach at Billings, will coach hitters at Single-A Dayton in 2005.
Dayton finished last in the Midwest League with a .236 average.
COACHES BACK: As expected, manager Dave Miley's entire staff will return.
The Reds renewed the contracts of their major league coaching staff - Mark Berry (third base coach), Chris Chambliss (hitting coach), Don Gullett (pitching coach), Tom Hume (bullpen coach), Jerry Narron (bench coach), Mike Stefanski (bullpen catcher) and Randy Whisler (first base coach).
GM MEETINGS: O'Brien is at the general managers meetings in Miami this week.
"In the afternoons, we have social gatherings, where we have interface," O'Brien said. "That's where trade talks start."
O'Brien said the club continues to talk contract with Paul Wilson, the one Reds free agent he is trying to sign.
O'Brien said Juan Castro, also a free agent, will go ahead and file for free agency. "But the door's still open," he said.
The elbow injury to Ray Olmedo, another player in the utility mix, won't affect things with Castro.
"(Tommy John surgery) is a very different thing for position players," O'Brien said. "We expect Ray to be back for the early part of next season."
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E-mail jfay@enquirer.com
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