A KFNS producer is out and talk-show host Kevin Slaten temporarily is off the air, according to sources, as fallout from a controversial interview last week with Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan.

Duncan said he thought he was having a private conversation with Slaten, but instead was on the air.

That came after Duncan said he declined a producer's request to appear on Slaten's program, but was called back and put on the air without his knowledge.

Evan Crocker, general manager of KFNS (590 AM, 100.7 FM), did not return several calls Thursday about the latest developments. But multiple sources said "The Bottom Line'' producer Evan Makovsky has been removed, although details were murky, and that Slaten is off the airwaves for the time being. Staffers reportedly have been told he is taking a couple days off.

Brian Stull appeared in Slaten's time slot Thursday afternoon and is expected to be there again today.

Makovsky, who has been appearing on the air as a sidekick to Slaten and using the moniker of "E-Mak,'' did not comment. Slaten could not be reached.

While KFNS personnel weren't talking, Duncan was. And one thing is clear: he remains angry about the matter a week after it happened.

"I still think it was very unethical, very unprofessional,'' Duncan said Thursday after the Cards' game. "But it's just typical of what he (Slaten) does.''

Duncan said he has talked with representatives of the club's legal team.

"I haven't decided for sure yet, but I think I'll probably file a complaint'' with the Federal Communications Commission, Duncan said. "I'll probably make a decision before we leave town.''

The Redbirds' season-opening home stand ends Sunday.

Crocker, the KFNS executive, declined to provide a recording of the interview last week. But the Post-Dispatch obtained one through other means.

The following exchange took place when Duncan was called while the program was on the air:

Slaten: "Hi, this is Kevin Slaten at '590 the Fan' in St. Louis. How are you?

Duncan: "I'm fine, thank you.''

Slaten: "Good. Could we grab you for a couple minutes to talk a little bit about the (Anthony) Reyes decision?''

Duncan: "Kevin, I'm not going to go on your show.''

Slaten: "Why not?''

Duncan: "Because you're a nasty man and I don't like you.''

After several minutes of pointed discussion between the two, Slaten told Duncan he was on the air.

Duncan: "Well, I hope not.''

Slaten: "Well, sure you are. I told you we were on the radio.''

Duncan: "No, you did NOT.''

Slaten: "Of course I did.''

A short time later Slaten said, "I told you right at the beginning of this conversation, 'Dave, we're on '590 the Fan,' do you want to talk about Anthony Reyes?''

Duncan then hung up.

dcaesar@post-dispatch.com | 314-340-8175