GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Since arriving to Reds camp on Wednesday, former Reds manager Lou Piniella has been a presence on the field. Piniella, who was hired earlier this month as a senior advisor to baseball operations, has been watching drills, speaking with coaches and helping out where he can.
Current Reds manager Bryan Price, who worked as Piniella's pitching coach for the Mariners from 2000-02, has been seen talking with his old boss and has enjoyed having his input with the club.
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What does Piniella bring to the table?
"Forty-some years of coaching, managing, general managing, playing experience is the obvious answer," Price replied on Friday. "There's a huge benefit with our familiarity. It goes back 20 years, from the time I started doing Major League camp as a Minor League coach to the three years we were together in Seattle."
Piniella managed in the Majors for 23 seasons before retiring from the Cubs in 2010. He helmed the dugout in Cincinnati from 1990-92 and won the '90 World Series.
"He doesn't have to feel like anything he says is implying anything," Price said. "He can be very candid. He's extremely willing to share. He has great perspective. He matured in every aspect. He matured as a hitter. He matured as a student of the game. He matured as a manager.
"He grew to be just an exceptional Major League manager. He understands exactly where I am in the process of developing, as we all continue to develop as managers. His perspective has been terrific."
Notes from Friday at Reds camp:
• For a third day, Reds hitters faced pitchers in live batting practice. Anthony DeSclafani and Michael Lorenzen took the mound on Friday, as well as prospects Robert Stephenson and Cody Reed. Stephenson and Reed pitched to No. 1 prospect Jesse Winker during their session. At one point, Reed alertly gloved a sharp line drive to the mound hit by Juan Duran.
• Price has not yet revealed who will start for the Reds in the March 1 Cactus League opener vs. the Indians.
"To be decided," Price said. "I'll start getting that stuff out. Game 1, it sends a message to the fans. I know who it is, but I don't know who it is."