Reds doing 'due diligence' with managerial search underway

CHICAGO -- The Reds’ search for a manager is underway, but the process remains in the early stages for president of baseball operations Nick Krall and general manager Brad Meador.

"We're still working through a list and we’re doing our due diligence," Krall said on Friday. “We have had a lot of people reach out to us. … We’ve made some calls and inquiries.”

There is no current timeline for naming a new manager to replace David Bell, who was fired on Sunday after six seasons. The only known candidate is interim manager Freddie Benavides, who was the bench coach on Bell's staff.

“We’re getting home on Monday, and we'll try to start setting things up," Krall said of the timeline. “It’s definitely a challenge. It’s something you can’t do willy-nilly. You’ve got to make sure you’re doing all of your due diligence. It’s very time consuming, but it’s something that we need to do.”

One thing's for sure: Reds backup catcher Luke Maile is not interested in trying to become MLB's first player-manager since Pete Rose did it for Cincinnati from 1984-86.

“I just don’t think it’s possible," Maile said. "I think you’d be doing the rest of the guys in the clubhouse a bit of a disservice because I’m not sure you can be fully prepared to do both jobs in this day and age. But it is a really interesting idea.”

Maile, 33, is a Northern Kentucky native and has played for his hometown Reds team the past two seasons of his nine-year Major League career.

Managing is something that could hold some interest for Maile.

“I think down the road, it’s certainly crossed my mind," he said. "I’ve always said I wanted to catch a game when I was 40 years old. That’s been my goal ever since I got drafted. I feel like [managing] is still way down the road. Whether it happens or not, remains to be seen. Life changes quickly. I’ve got a family now. I’ve got three kids. My wife has been supportive for my whole playing career, which feels like an eternity.”

As for the type of candidates being sought to replace Bell, Krall was asked if previous managerial experience in the big leagues would be a parameter in the process.

“You want someone to lead the club. I want someone who will continue to develop the younger players," Krall replied. "Those are the overarching qualities we need.”