I want someone in this job who is my choice. I told Dan he has worked hard and has worked diligently to rebuild the farm system and scouting department of the Reds, and that we appreciate his efforts.

It's been an exhilarating day. We had everything go right for us but the outcome of the game, but that's baseball. The weather went right, the parade went well, the president throwing out the first pitch went flawless.

What I want him to focus on while he's here is to take a look at our entire pitching program, from soup to nuts, and see what our plan is and let me know. Because I haven't been able to fully understand what our plan is.

We didn't want to complicate Friday with this announcement. This was a very difficult decision. It was very difficult on Dan, who gave of himself totally here. He tried very, very hard. The results haven't materialized yet and I just wanted my own person.

I wanted someone in this vitally important job who I have selected to lead the team and baseball organization.

Lou really had a year that he had to stay away from major league baseball. I didn't know that at the time we talked about it. It's just not going to happen this year. And I would expect Lou to go back to managing.