The last time I was sitting in this chair ... it was the day of my second interview. Did I think I was going to be named GM the day of the second interview? I've got to pinch myself. This is pretty special stuff.

I would hope by the time we have our organizational meetings at the end of October that we have a better sense of who we are, that we have a sense of where we're going, that we set a game plan, which I wasn't able to do, obviously, this year. This whole year's going to be an evaluation process of a lot of things.

We know he has received other good offers. But we're very interested in acquiring his services because we think he could be the fourth or fifth pitcher in our rotation.

I might make a couple of early trips (with the Reds), and then in September. But I think from April through August I'll probably go to the minor leagues.

It's tough for guys like Jacob Cruz and Brian Buchanan. Quinton McCracken has missed a lot of time and needs some at-bats, so Chris may be with us for a few days or a whole season.

Who is sitting in that empty chair?