Paul O’Neill interested in Reds coaching job

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The Cincinnati Reds have interest in speaking to former outfielder Paul O’Neill about their managerial vacancy. O’Neill is also interested in speaking to the Reds.

Before we start putting the cart and horse together it must be noted that no talks have taken place yet between O’Neill and Reds owner Bob Castellini.

O’Neill was drafted by the Reds in the fourth round of the 1981 draft. While other organizations were scouting O’Neill as a pitcher the Reds sent a scout to watch him on a day he was not scheduled to pitch. The results led to a career that spanned 17 big league seasons, including eight with the Reds.

“I would love to sit down and find out what their thoughts are,” O’Neill told ESPN New York on Wednesday evening. “There are basically two organizations in my life, the Reds and the Yankees. Anytime you live in the city, you understand and see what happens in an organization.”

“It is not a rebuilding situation,” O’Neill said. “They are a very, very good team. I think anybody would be interested in taking a good team and winning a World Series.”

There is no question that O’Neill could be a leader in Cincinnati but thus far he has no experience managing in any capacity. Recently teams have been willing to take gambles on players who had not previously managed such as the case of the Chicago White Sox and Robin Ventura.

Currently serving as a broadcaster for the YES Network, O’Neill will be looking to make a move like the ones that sent Bob Brenley and Larry Dierker from the announces box to the bench.

A five-time All-Star, O’Neill rose to national fame as a member of the New York Yankees from 1993-2001. While with the Yankees, O’Neill was part of a dynasty that won four World Series Championships.

John Boarman
John Boarmanhttp://www.tireball.com
Founder and Owner of Tireball Sports.

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