Reds consider hiring staffer to help with replay

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Reds are still determining their protocol on how to handle the mechanics of the new instant replay rule instituted by Major League Baseball for this season.

One issue to be decided is who the club will use to watch the games and alert manager Bryan Price that he should ask umpires to review a potential missed call. Manager of video scouting Rob Coughlin is not viewed as a preferred option at this point.

"Rob is outstanding but he's also going to be trying to satisfy the player requests during the game," Price said Thursday. "We can't dilute anybody's position. Lee Tinsley will be inside working as the assistant hitting coach but he might be getting a pinch-hitter ready in the cage."

The Reds will be seeking someone with a baseball background that can understand the difference between high-leverage and low-leverage situations and the difference between a call that's conclusive vs. inconclusive. A couple of teams are considering former umpires for the role.

Whoever is chosen, it could mean the hiring of a new member for the Reds' staff.

"You travel with the guy," Price said. "It's another hotel room, another person on the plane, another packet of meal money. It's another salary to pay. You're going to have to pay these people to do this job. If you don't find somebody that's in-house that's already part of your traveling party, you're incurring significant expense."