Narron speaks

Jerry Narron, always the Southern gentleman, returned my call a few minutes ago. He was upbeat. Part of baseball like is getting fired. Here's what he said:

"As a baseball person, I appreciated the chance to manage the Cincinnati Reds. I can't tell you how much that meant to me. It's a great organization, it's a great city. The fans are great.

"I'm sorry our about record. I've said we're close to being a good ballclub. We were in every game. I'm disappointed we don't have a better record. I appreciate the effort of the players. They did not quit in the least bit. They battled when we'd get down. They never gave up."

"I appreciate the opportunity that Bob Castellini and Tom and Joe Williams gave me. They've been nothing be great to me."

Narron met with Wayne Krvisky after the game Sunday, and then with Bob Castellini.

"It's a critical period for the Reds -- the next six months," Narron said. "I hope Wayne Krivsky can get the job done. This club could go from worst to first. The nucleus is there. It just needs a little tweaking."

Narron said he'll eventually return home to North Carolina.

"I enjoyed my time here," he said. "I love the town. It's a great baseball town. I appreciate the support I've gotten from the fans."

Narron's brother, Johnny, is the club's video coordinator. Will he stay on?

"That's up to Johnny and Mr. Castellini," Narron said. "In no way, shape or form was he hired because he's my brother. He's one of the hardest workers we've got. I appreciate the effort of everyone on the coaching. I hope me getting fired doesn't affect them."