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Associated Press Updated 12:35 AM Monday, September 26, 2011

PITTSBURGH — When the Chicago Cubs came to Cincinnati a week or so ago, Aramis Ramirez had a talk with young third baseman Juan Francisco.

“(Ramirez) took it upon  himself,” Baker said. “He told him how bright his future could be, to work out this winter and get in tip-top shape, give yourself the maximum chance to prosper in your career no matter what that role is, until the time comes when you could be playing every day.

“That’s what they said about Aramis: He was always hurt, he was soft. He’s in better shape now  than when he was  young.”

By saying that, Baker seemed to hint that Francisco’s reputation is not stellar. But it’s dangerous to give up on a player with Francisco’s talent level.

Ramirez is a walking, talking example of that. The Pirates traded him to the Cubs, along with Kenny Lofton, for Matt Bruback and Jose Hernandez. In his nine years since the trade, Ramirez has hit .294 with a .356 on-base percentage with 238 home runs and 805 RBI.

“At that time, they didn’t like that attitude,” Baker said. “They said he was surly and didn’t hustle. I had no problem with him. You just tell him like it was, like it is.”

Crediting Cards: Baker gave the St. Louis Cardinals credit for their run.

“They didn’t throw in the towel,” Baker said. “They said, ‘Let’s reload.’

“They had the money to do it ..,.. They turned over a third of their roster.”

Frazier OK: Todd Frazier said his left hand felt OK in his pinch-hit appearance Saturday. Frazier was hit by a 97 mph Joel Hanrahan fastball just below his pinkie finger on Friday.

“I had a little discomfort,” he said. “Nothing major. I told them I was good to go after batting practice.”

Johnny B. Good: Johnny Cueto played catch before Saturday’s game.

Cueto, of course, is shut down for the year by a strained lat muscle.

“He said he feels great,” Baker said. “He wants to pitch. Yeah, right, Johnny.”

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