Cincinnati Reds interview Tampa Bay Rays coach Rocco Baldelli for manager

Bobby Nightengale, Cincinnati Enquirer

(Photo: Rick Osentoski, Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports)Two weeks after the season ended, the Reds interviewed at least their 12th candidate for manager when they met with Rocco Baldelli in the past week, according to club sources.

Baldelli, 37, spent three seasons as the Rays’ first-base coach before he served as a Major League field coordinator this year, a newly created position. He worked with outfielders and focused on player development.

A first-round pick in the 2000 MLB Draft, Baldelli played for seven seasons in the big leagues. He finished third in Rookie of the Year voting in '03 but dealt with injuries throughout his career. When he retired,…