If you have been following our Reds managerial updates (and why wouldn't you?), you know that while many names have been floated, we at #OHSportsBuzz have judged only two to be "confirmed candidates."
That would be Bryan Price and Jim Riggleman, the respective major league pitching coach and Triple-A manager for the Reds this past season.
Per a tweet from long-time MLB reporter Peter Gammons of the MLB Network, Riggleman may have moved into the lead to replace Dusty Baker, who was fired Oct. 4 after a disappointing end to the Reds season.
Riggleman has been part of the Reds organization for the past two years, first as manager of the Double-A Pensacola Blue Wahoos in 2012 before moving up a level to Louisville for 2013.
The Bats went 69-75, a sub-.500 mark but an 18-game improvement over the previous season when the club went a franchise-worst 51-93 while being managed by David Bell.
Riggleman, 60, has previously managed in the majors for the San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners and Washington Nationals, compiling a 662-824 mark in 12 seasons. His best season came in 1998 when he led the Cubs to a 90-73 record and the National League wild card.
Perhaps worth noting -- Riggleman's time in the Reds organization has afforded him the opportunity to work with top prospect Billy Hamilton, the speedy center fielder who made his major league debut in September and could be in line for a larger role next season.
Price has built his reputation in Cincinnati by helping mold the Reds pitching staff into one of the best in the game.
