[16BBall Fan]

USA Today just reported about 10 minutes ago that the Reds fired Bell this evening after their last home game of the season. Bench coach Freddie Benavides will manage the Reds their last 5 game of this season. Bell was 405-456 in 6 seasons with the Reds.

[Van Hagar]

I’m ok with it. That roster is too good to be a below-.500 team. I know they had a lot of injuries this season, Matt McClain never did get on the field, Christian Encarnacion-Strand missed the majority of the season, etc. But the pitching staff was improved, Hunter Greene has turned into a stud. This team should at the very least be a playoff team, hopefully they will hire someone with a little fire in their style that can take this group to the next level.

[Old School Hound]

Time for Bell to sell insurance. I will not miss than look of stoic resignation on his dull mug.

Joseph Daniel Votto, anyone??? That would be quite a homecoming. :)

[-STAT-]

Writing has been on the wall for a while now that he would get the axe, but with 5 games left? Might as well let him finish it out.

Hopefully ownership will (key word being will) spend some in free agency this off season, bullpen has always been a big issue for the Reds. They've got a great young core when healthy, with Elly & McClain.

Seen some names as potential candidates, one that stuck out the most was Terry Francona, that would be a dream hire but doubtful it'll happen. He is up there in age, and had to step down as Cleveland manager due to health issues.