The fact that the Reds slapped the tag of "interim manager" on Mackanin made it abundantly clear that, in all probability, his stay on the bench wouldn't be an extended one. Mackanin's expected purpose was to serve as a stopgap, a temporary bridge between the failed Narron and a more high profile skipper.

To most insiders, Mackanin had a miniscule chance of landing a full-time gig in Cincinnati. When it came to naming potential candidates for the Cincy post, Mackanin wasn't even in the discussion. He was regarded, if at all, as nothing more than an afterthought.

But what a difference a month can make, just 31 little days. Given his steady handling of the Reds so far ( 14-10 ), Mackanin has, at the very least, gotten the attention of plenty of people throughout baseball. Though still very much a longshot to stick around, Mackanin could become a frontrunner for long-term employment should Cincy maintain the pace it's set since he took over.  Mackanin could make it mighty hard for owner Bob Castellini and G.M. Wayne Krivsky to look elsewhere should Cincinnati's recent resurgence continue.

Though most anyone would come out favorably when compared to Narron, the difference between Mackanin and his predecessor has been stark and profound. Buttressed by a manager who's more assertive, decisive and not afraid to take chances or play hunches, the Reds have responded and played their most consistent ball of the season. A heretofore missing team confidence has suddenly been rediscovered.

No longer plagued by a pervading sense of doubt, the Reds now expect to win instead of merely competing. To his credit, Mackanin has changed the culture in the locker room and altered the dynamic of a club that was going nowhere fast. It's hardly coincidental that Cincy began to take flight the moment they bounced Narron and Mackanin came aboard. 

Whether Mackanin can keep the Reds headed in the right direction is somewhat problematical. Challenges and potential pitfalls seem dead ahead. Up to now, he's done a masterful job of squeezing wins out of a team that's had spotty starting pitching and some iffy relieving, not to mention a depleted offense that's been without key components like outfielder Josh Hamilton and shortstop Alex Gonzales.

There's no disputing that Mackanin hasn't been operating with anywhere near a full deck and yet, he's still won most of the hands, having taken four out of the seven series that the Reds have played under his direction, including three-game sweeps of Arizona and Atlanta..

Through adroit maneuvering of personnel and creating a more positive mind-set, Mackanin has managed to stabilize the situation and then some. If he's able to do more of the same, particularly in light of the testing circumstances he inherited, the 55-year-old should get strong consideration when the Reds ultimately decide on a more permanent choice for skipper.