Cairo to fill in when Berry undergoes treatment

CINCINNATI -- While third-base coach Mark Berry undergoes treatment after his recent diagnosis of throat cancer, he is expected to miss road games. Partly for continuity purposes, bench coach Chris Speier is serving as third-base coach at both home and road games while Berry has been on the bench.

Manager Dusty Baker said Friday that Miguel Cairo will replace Berry when he's not able to work. Cairo, who retired as a player this past offseason, was named as a special assistant to the general manager and an instructor in February.

"We didn't think we would have to put him into battle coaching so early," Baker said. "Miguel is a guy who is very qualified. We helped school him in Spring Training to do certain duties in case Mark is not here."

Cairo, who played the last three seasons of a 17-year career with the Reds, worked under respected managers including Joe Torre, Tony LaRussa and of course, Baker.

"He picked up some things from everybody," Baker said. "I urged him to pay attention like he did as a player, but have a different view of things as a manager and just be alert. Miggy is always in the game. He's sort of a liaison between myself and some of the players and even some of the coaches. He's kind of in between right now. He just quit playing last year."