New Reds owner alters front office

CINCINNATI - The new owner of the Cincinnati Reds already is moving in and moving things around.

In his first day running baseball's oldest professional franchise, produce magnate Bob Castellini reorganized the front office and promised fans a championship.

He also announced Friday that he was moving into an office at Great American Ball Park, where he plans to see how things are done with an eye on more sweeping changes down the line.

"As we build our organization, we'll likely do some other things differently once we get our sleeves rolled up," Castellini said at an introductory news conference attended by about 300 civic leaders and dignitaries. "I intend to work out of the Reds' offices on a daily basis until I have an insider's understanding of how we work."

Castellini's first move was to change the front office's structure. Chief operating officer John Allen will stay but will focus on the business side of the ballclub. General manager Dan O'Brien will run the baseball side, reporting directly to Castellini.

Castellini, who will run the team as its chief executive, said the payroll this season would be $60 million to $65 million.

"I want to make a promise today to Reds fans wherever you are, a promise from one fan to another: We will bring championship baseball to Cincinnati," he said emphatically.

GUILLEN BECOMES U.S. CITIZEN:Three months after accomplishing his goal, Ozzie Guillen realized a dream.

The manager of the World Series champion Chicago White Sox celebrated his 42nd birthday Friday by becoming a U.S. citizen along with his wife Ibis and their son Oney.

"It's a great feeling," Guillen said. "The funny thing about this is when I won the World Series, a lot of people felt that was my dream. That was my goal, to win the World Series. ... To do this is something real special."

PHILLIES: Philadelphia outfielder Jason Michaels agreed to complete 100 hours of community service to settle charges that he allegedly assaulted a city police officer.

Under the terms of a program for first-time offenders, Michaels can seek to have his record expunged after completing the community service with the Police Athletic League.