The hot rumor in Cincinnati is, while the Reds will talk to a number of candidates to fill their managerial opening, the team is waiting on St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa to decide whether he’ll stay or go. With Walt Jocketty out as General Manager, the odds of LaRussa leaving increase expnonentially.

If he bolts, chalk him up as Reds first - and only - candidate. He’d be plans A, B, C, D, and possibly Alpha … although it’s questionable whether Reds General Manager Wayne Krivsky knows Greek.

Cincinnati needs a solid manager worse than just about any team in baseball: The Reds have employed nine (!) managers the last 17 years. The only two who’ve worked were run off - Jack McKeon, who was considered too old (and then won the World Series with the Marlins three years later); and Davey Johnson, who drew Marge Schott’s ire because he had the nerve of living with his girlfriend.

Krivsky did tell The Cincinnati Enquirer he will talk to manager Jerry Mackanin about the job. Mackanin replaced Jerry Narron, and managed the Reds to a 41-39 finish.