Darrell ''Doc'' Rodgers, a versatile member of Reds General Manager Jim Bowden's brain trust, returned to the Cincinnati front office Tuesday a richer man in money and deed.
The Reds named Rodgers, 34, assistant general manager a year after he left the club over salary and philosophical differences with president and CEO Marge Schott.
Reds acting CEO John Allen must seek Schott's advice - not her approval - on hires before passing them on to the National League for OK. Asked if she approved Rodgers' hire, Allen said: ''I sought her advice.''
Rodgers, who was the Reds' assistant for baseball operations, joined the Detroit Tigers as director for baseball administration after Schott refused to raise his salary from $25,000 for the third straight year and give him a weightier title.
''I'm in a more competitive situation than I was when I was here, but I don't think there'll be a ground swell of assistant GMs
re-negotiating,'' Rodgers said. ''If I had stayed put, I would have made more. But this is home.''
Rodgers said, ''it's a lot different around here,'' now that is running the club's day-to-day operations in place of the suspended Schott.
Baseball sources have said that last year's budget stalemate between Allen and Schott wasn't over the $30 million player payroll, but over raises for employees totaling far less than $500,000.
''People are more relaxed, people know the direction,'' Rodgers said. ''We all have our management style. John's style is more conducive to the business world today to produce better results.''
During his first Reds' stint, Rodgers, a Bowden protege, was fond of saying he did the work of three executives.
But with the addition of Brad Kullman as administrative assistant of baseball operations, and Al Goldis, senior director of scouting and player development, Rodgers will be free to help Bowden. He is the club's first assistant GM since Chief Bender assisted Murray Cook in the late '80s.
''We now have as many people in the office as when I first got here,'' said Bowden, who arrived in 1990. ''It's a very positive move. Doc's a unique guy in that he's got a master's degree, been a pitcher and done just about everything.''
Bowden will probably give Rodgers some contract negotiations. With Rodgers in the office, Bowden will have the freedom to visit minor-league clubs more frequently.
Rodgers is the second high-ranking African-American to be appointed by Allen, joining controller Anthony Ward.
