THE SIDELINES - Reds Hire Yankees Executive

The Cincinnati Reds today announced the signing of Bob Quinn, a former New York Yankees executive, to a two-year contract as the Reds’ vice president and general manager.

Quinn, 52, replaces Murray Cook, who had served two seasons as the Reds’ vice president and general manager. Quinn, who has a 30-year background in baseball administration, comes to Cincinnati after three seasons with the Yankees, including the last two seasons as vice president and general manager.

Reds owner Marge Schott refused to say whether Cook resigned or was fired.

Quinn’s first objective for Schott is to find a new manager. Quinn said at a news conference today that interim manager Tommy Helms, who took over Aug. 24 after Pete Rose was banned over allegations of baseball gambling, remains a candidate for the 1990 job.

Quinn declined to identify other managerial candidates.