[More Cowbell]

I'll change mine as well. Still think the Reds will make a run at Tony LaRussa if he's available, if not, Mackanin should get the nod. I don't want to get too caught up in hiring a "name guy" because Mackanin is unlike the previous to managers that wore the interim tag before being hired full time. One thing that has impressed me the most is that he has cleaned up the bullpen by defining some roles (Burton is the setup 8th inning man, Bray will work the 7th, Weathers will close). He's also eased Majewski into the rotation to help him gain some confidence and I'll be the first to say that I gave up on the "Magic Man" weeks ago - jury's still out on him though with me.

Mackanin doesn't tinker with the lineup either. Something else I like.

I really like Mackanin too, he really seems to have changed the atmosphere in the clubhouse. Everyone seems to enjoy playing for him, and I think he gets the most out of his team. I also like that he has settled on a set lineup every night. I'm not sure if he deserves the credit for the pen, but they have certainly gotten things shored up lately. With Weathers, Burton, and Bray at the end, then Cooter and a healthy Majewski in the middle, the bullpen looks to be a strength next year.