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Baker is 'finest' in baseball
Many major-league players have high opinion of Cincinnati Reds' new skipper.
Related: Archdeacon: Reds, Dusty, race | Comment | Polls: Good or bad for Reds? | More
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
CINCINNATI — Bob Castellini said "a very revered scout in our organization and in baseball" told him a story about his new manager, Dusty Baker.
"We were having our organizational meetings in Sarasota (Fla.) over the weekend," said the team president and CEO on Monday. "I asked this scout, 'What do you think?' "
Extras
The scout told a story "with great emotion" about having a great player tell him 20 years ago that Baker was the finest man he had ever met in baseball.
Three weeks ago, the scout ran into the same player.
"Who would be the finest man you've met now?" the scout asked. Baker was the same reply.
"That's the person we have here," Castellini said.
Johnnie B. "Dusty" Baker was born in Riverside, Calif., near Los Angeles, in 1949. His father was a defense industry worker; his mother a professor. Asked by the San Jose Mercury News how he raised his children, the elder Baker said, "They say I was quite hard on (Dusty). But a lot of these (neighborhood) kids, if they're not dead, they're in jail. Dusty had discipline in his life."
Baker played with Bobby Bonds in Little League and moved to Carmichael, Calif., as a high school junior when the elder Baker took a job at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento.
Carmichael was an all-white neighborhood and Baker and his siblings became the only black students at Del Campo High School, where Baker played football, baseball, basketball and track.
He made it through a tough racial situation there, and when asked how it feels to be part of the first Reds-Bengals African-American manager-head coach tandem in Cincinnati history, Baker replied, "Hopefully, there will become a time when you don't look at me as an African-American, but as a man."
He attended a community college out of high school and was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 26th round of the amateur free agent draft in 1967. The next year, he made his debut in the majors, making it for good in 1972.
Baker eventually played parts of 19 seasons in the majors and has been a major-league manager 14 seasons, 10 with the Giants, four with the Cubs. Following the 2006 season, Baker was dismissed by the Cubs, accepting a job with ESPN.
That's how ESPN broke the story of his hiring by the Reds.
"I want to apologize to the local media for not being able to break the news first," Castellini said. "But Dusty is with a news media company right now, and in order for us to get them to do some things as far as employment here, we were happy to allow them to break the news.
"We don't normally go about our business this way."
Baker was thrilled to get the chance.
"I'm very excited about it," Baker said. "I promise you this; we're going to be better. There have already been a number of players who have called me who want to come to Cincinnati."
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2157 or mkatz@coxohio.com.
Comments
By BOB DUERSTOCK
October 26, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
No manager can win with Griffey on the team!!!!!!
By John Collins
October 23, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
Bring back Jim Lett as a coach. He IS A TRUE RED.
By Bart SWOhio
October 20, 2007 6:36 AM | Link to this
Baker carries very weak credentials. Other than the fact that he is Black: which seems to be the trend these days, I dont understand why he was hired. I dont think he deserves a 3 year contract. The Reds give out way too many multi- year contracts. Why was Mackinon not given a one year deal? I dont like it.
By HumeHater
October 19, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
Dusty Baker just made his first good decision - GETTING RID OF TOM HUME as bullpen coach. THANK YOU, DUSTY!! It’s about time!! Hack Hume has been hanging around the Reds organization for much too long. Good riddance. Get that bum out of here!!
By charlie ilson
October 19, 2007 8:23 AM | Link to this
IF THERE WAS ANY DOUBT, BAKER JUST PROVED HOW WELL HE WILL DO BY RETAINING POLE AND BEERY. JACOBY SO-SO (SINCE ADAM LIKES HIM) AND HATCHER DESERVES TO STAY, BUT POLE ????? AND GO HOME GO HOME BEERY? OKAY, HE’S MADE HIS BED, LET’S SEE IF…….
By patbut
October 18, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this
Q: Why can’t Reds Fans wait and see how dusty does with the team before they get rid of him?
A: Because Reds Fans have to be negative about everything!
It wouldn’t of matter who the Reds hired - the fans would not of given him a chance.
I’m sure all of you negative fans would do a better job but it’s easier managing from you lazy boy and will be the first in line for tickets!
By Mike W
October 18, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
The media is good at telling fans what they should want & not want. And they’re often WRONG. P.Daugherty said in 2006 the Reds needed to make a big trade right after the All Star break. They did & it was a disaster. Now D.Baker is being stuffed down our throats, with Archdeacon & others suggesting racism is behind our distaste for him. We don’t want Dusty & we dont want BOTH Dunn & Griff in the same outfield. Poor defense and too much $. If the choice is between pitching & Dunn, we want pitching
By CHARLIE WILSON
October 18, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this
I HAVE A QUESTION. CAN ANYONE HELP ME? IS CASTELLINI RELATED TO MARGE SCHOTT? OR SCHOTTZI?
By William Miller
October 18, 2007 5:21 AM | Link to this
Bob Castellini has pulled a Jerry Jones and sold his soul to the Devil,apparently.Dusty’The Greek’Baker?Come on!Can’t the Reds do any better than this racist re-tread?What was so bad about Pete Mckanin? The Reds have ALWAYS been my numero uno team,in all of sports!Pete Rose has ALWAYS been my favorite player.Marty and Joe have ALWAYS been my favorite announcer’s. But now,it’s a cruel world:I find my favorite team being led by a man I have no respect for; 44 years and it ends for me!
By Steve
October 17, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this
Baker might be an excellent manager but he will suffer the same fate as everyone else if pitching does not improve.
By RobbyP
October 17, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this
I have been a Reds fan for 35-years and couldn’t be more excited about Dusty comming on. Sparky and Lou are the only other BIG name MGR’s that the Reds have had. Now if the Reds can unload Freel, Eddie E, and an outfielder for some bullpn help the NL Central is up for grabs. Plus maybe Aarn can win th CY.
By Bob
October 17, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
I bet Pete feels really good when he reads how aggressive the Reds pursued Baker while they were telling him he want in the hunt. Sounds a lot like the Bowden approach that used with Ron Oester. Tight lips Mr. K must do more talking in private than to the press.
By boxter
October 17, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this
Bad hire. They should let GRIFFEY JR. run the team. He does anyway. Jr. will run Baker out of town just like he has the others, unless Baker treats him like he did roid boy in SF. I can’t wait to watch this team of misfits with this clown running them. Griffey didn’t run balls out last 3 years. He won’t leave the batters box under this guy. Classic case of a old has been manager grabbing more cash. No lose situation. The have sucked & will continue. Can’t wait for his 3-5 year rebuild program.
By Claydog
October 17, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this
To all you Reds fans, remember when we hired Lou Pinella, his previous managing expierence was with the Yankees and if I recall he didn’t make the playoffs with them and yet we won the World Series in 1990. Now tell me how many of you bet you life savings when he was hired that he would win the World Series in his very first year. Didn’t think so. How many of you bet $1 that they would beat the A’s in the 1990 World Series? None of you? I must tell you that I am shocked to here that.
By Common Sense
October 16, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this
The way the Reds have struggled the last few years, they should welcome someone on roids like Bonds. Simply put something had to change - Yes they do need pitching, but promoting minor league managers to keep things steady is not the answer to winning baseball games. One thing is certain, Baker is proven when he gets his hands on the right pieces. You can mark this down, Griffey if he can stay healthy will thrive under Baker next year. Give the man a chance.
By baggednavi
October 16, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this
FIrst off when Barry bonds is in your lineup you really can’t say much about him using steroids. You would be fired pretty quickly by the giants and you have to cottle star players in every sport somewhat they act like little babies if you don’t and they get out of hand and affects the entire team. Dusty Baker does nothing but win where ever he goes. He takes subpar lineups many times and put them in the position to win. I am happy with him I like the idea of bringing in someone outside.
By Bill
October 16, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this
Now that we have solidified our off field Hall of Famer’s, and THEIR salaries—as in announcers,managers and GM’s,etc.— perhaps we can spend some money on getting the games BEST PLAYERS to wear the red and white colors!Perhaps that was MORE IMPORTANT, than what we have been doing,anyway!
Perhaps, the Cowboy would be willing to make a comeback, on the field—since we probably don’t have money available for great players NOW.
By Charlie Warner
October 16, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this
My opinion is it is a BAD CHOICE!!!
By Lora
October 16, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this
It doesn’t really matter all that much WHO the manager is… WE NEED PITCHING and won’t ever get near a playoff game without it.
By HuberTucky
October 16, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
Seems that PainfulTruth secretly just wants to bite down on all the men who respond to this sports blog. Hey you little old queen, get a hanky, wipe your lips off, sit down on you hemorrhoid cushion (if you little heiny doesn’t hurt too much) and shut up, Miss Painful Sphincter!
By HuberTucky
October 16, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
Seems that PainfulTruth secretly just wants to blow all the men who respond to this sports blog. He is SUCH an old queen! Hey you little old b!tch, get a hanky, wipe your lips off, sit down on you hemorrhoid cushion (if you little heiny doesn’t hurt too much) and shut the F up!
By larry
October 16, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
You had the right MGR. Why not give him one year contract? W
By larry
October 16, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
You had the right MGR. Why not give him one year contract? W
By larry
October 16, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
You had the right MGR. Why not give him one year contract? W
By larry
October 16, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
You had the right MGR. Why not give him one year contract? W
By larry
October 16, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
You had the right MGR. Why not give him one year contract? W
By Come on Bob
October 16, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
Come on Bob… Money is no excuse. The D-backs, Rockies, and Indians all spent less money this year than the Reds, and 1 if not 2 will be in the World Series. This is mostly about front office leadership. If Wayne can stock the minor leagues, and make smart moves the Manager’s job will be a lot easier. I don’t think Dusty’s hire will make or break this Reds team..
By Freddy
October 16, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
Dusty Baker is a HACK. He knew Barry Bonds was on steroids and didn’t do a thing about it because Barry was hitting HR’s. That’s a serious lack of integrity. Dusty should rub some “flax seed” oil on his nuts. Maybe then he would have the balls to stand up to over-paid cry babbies. Baker can’t even get off a coherent sentence on ESPN when he tries to comment on baseball. How is going to lead a team? He can’t. The Reds had plenty of other good options, but chose the worst possible person!
By DMassey
October 16, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this
I am hopeful Dusty will enable the Reds to reach glory days again.He has a first-hand perspective and the accurate context to frame the aspirations of Reds’fans.Remember,he was a Dodger when Reds had the Big Red machine.Dodgers had Garvey,Lopes,Cey,Russell,Baker,Don Sutton,Tommy John,Charlie Hough,Al Downing and LaSorda.The Reds had Rose,Bench,Morgan,Perez,Concepcion,Geronimo,Foster,Griffey,Norman, Billingham,Eastwick and Sparkey.He lived that rivalry between two teams destined for the ages!
By Bob540
October 16, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this
IMHO: Money issues contributed greatly over time to the Reds’ demise, and money issues will contribute greatly over time in the future. When the Reds play in the same league, let alone the same division, with teams that have outspent them double or more, they lost players and lost out on free agents. Remember former GM Jim Bowden’s endless parade of reclaimation projects? Some worked (for a time), but over time the Reds lost because they got outspent for talent. No manager can overcome that
By Andy
October 16, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
I think the Reds had to make a ‘realistic’ move and not one that we all ‘dreamed’ of, while I thought LaRussa would have been our man next year, Dusty Baker is not a bad choice. Chicago and SF both were good when Dusty was there. He may have gotten run off, but at some point in time doesn’t every manager just not cut it anymore for a team. Let’s face it, Dusty Baker produces results. He took SF and Chicago to the playoffs, he had SF in the World Series and had a very successful career there.
By Bob
October 16, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
Sorry about typo. The year not ‘90, but 2000. (I think). Been so many bad years since then they all run together.
By Bob
October 16, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
Dusty better watch it. Larkin is gone, but Griff and the “Captain” gave Jack the kiss of death when they told him the last day of the season in’90 that they had a flight to catch to Fla.during the 3rd inning. Apparently Casey and others blew up. “We’ll see you in the spring Skip”. Better go easy on Jr. and not make him exert himself. He’s a hall-of-famer.
By Mike W
October 16, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
The Reds need to draft & concentrate their efforts on acquiring quality pitchers. If it means bringing 25 pitchers into camp like Matt Herges & others who have found a home with Division winners, sometimes it’s just a matter of change of scenery, although GAPB is not a great place to try to resurrect a career. (ask Saarloos and others). As far as draft & free agency, the Reds need to be all about pitching. Baker’s a horrible hire, but maybe the Reds can be good enough to overcome it. Doubt it.
By Steve L
October 16, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this
I hope he can come in a do the job like Pinella did it just worries me when somebody from ESPN who Baker still is employed with says he isn’t a good fit. I agree they need to make some trades but they need to keep Adam Dunn!!
By Byron P.
October 16, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
I guess I write too much, I keep running out of room. Chamberlain, Carmona, Papelbon, Billingsley, etc. all starting out in the bull pen. It really has been common practice for MLB. It wouldn’t hurt Cueto and Bailey, and it just might energize the relief corps. If you trade two or three of your VERY BEST hitters you can get VERY GOOD young starters. And, you can win a pennant.
By Dave Mosher
October 16, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
Let’s give some kudos to Pete Mackanin…When he was told he wasn’t coming back as the Reds manager, he expressed his disappointment, & did so in a graceful & humorous manner. What makes this situation so distasteful is what I call a lack of integrity on ownership & management’s part…They had promised Pete he would be seriously considered as a candidate when it appears that they already had hiring Dusty Baker firmly implanted in their mind. “Cincinnati Logic” will keep this team losing.
By Byron P.
October 16, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
The truth is Giffy will probably play RF for most of the year but probably not for another 2 or 3 years. Even the greatest tail off. It isn’t a matter of having to go with that line-up. But you can keep all your power hitters, not be willin to trade anyone that anyone wants and have another losing year. You give up some of your very best hitters if you want to improve your starting rotation. That also gives you the option of putting Bailey and Cueto in the ‘pen (temp) and strengthens it.
By 21
October 16, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
Votto in the OF? WTF? 1st Votto isn’t an OF and where do you put Griffey? Griffey is the top 5 players EVER to play the game. He does so many things for a team even at his age. To bat .290 with 30+ HR and plenty of RBI’s is a good year!@!
By Byron P.
October 16, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
Hopefully Dusty can convince the Reds to go get some starters. A top 5 rotation team takes you farther than a top 5 HR team. We could start Votto, Hamilton, and Hopper in the outfield, Cantu at first, Keppinger at third and still have 4 power hitters plus Ross C (Even batting .200 he hits a lot of HR’s) That team with 2 more top young starters will win more games than the current team. The Giants will trade 1 or 2 starters (Lowry practically for sure) the Angels need power, Twins need 3b and DH.
By redsfan55
October 16, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this
I wasnt for this hiring at all, but will give Dusty the benefit of the doubt till he shows us otherwise. The Reds shouldve kept Petey Mac, but hopefully, he will be on the coaching staff someway, like benchcoach, or 3rd base coach. Hume and Pole need to go, and maybe Jacoby too. Bring Eric Davis in as hitting coach, or Dave Parker! Bring in Browning or Power as pitching coach, if they wont go out and get Mazzone! And get some more pitching, or else it wont matter who the manager is!!
By steve
October 16, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this
—The 1992 Giants went 72-90. Baker took over in ‘93 and the club went 103-59.
—The 2002 Cubs went 67-95. Baker took over in ‘03 and the club went 88-74 and came with in one Bartman move of the making the World Series.
—He’s reached 88 wins or more eight times in span when the Reds have hit or exceeded that total once.
Again…give the man a chance. We’ve stunk for seven years.
By Byron P.
October 16, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this
I think I have an open mind about Baker but, it is a controversial choice. I believe three things have created the negative comments: 1. The freshest things in fans minds are the last two years he had with the Cubs, and they weren’t very pretty. 2. He has a history of saying things that antagonize people. 3. People wonder if he has control of his players. On the plus side, he had some good years as a manager and former players say he does maintain control of his players. We’ll see.
By steve
October 16, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this
Goodness…stop crucifying the man before he manages a game for us. Manager of the Year THREE times! Taken the Giants and Cubs to the Playoffs. What do you folks want? We haven’t had a quality manager since Trader Jack. The deciding factor for me though are the very positive current and former player comments. Stop your bitchin’, hope onboard and give the man a chance.
By charlie wilson
October 16, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
hudy——wake up and smell the coffee
By charlie wilson
October 16, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this
good for dusty….now he has his red uniform….now maybe after he is fired he can retire in peace…..
By Hudy
October 16, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this
For all the whiners and crybabies posting negatively here…grow up. You act as if God would have been a bad choice. Dusty Baker is actually a good fit for this team. He has a proven managerial record and was no slouch as a player himself. The last three managers can’t say that. Baker will garner respect and control the clubhouse. He won’t destroy the young talent on this team, as many of you seem to think, and he won’t cow to Junior. Real Reds fans stick by the team.
By John Ferris
October 16, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this
It works like this: proper names get capital letters; at the end of a sentence it’s permissible to place a period; coming close only counts in tossing grenades or the game of horseshoes — doesn’t look too cool when typing words — that’s why some “moron” invented the dictionary, but then again, if you can’t come close to spelling a word, how can you sports “experts” look it up in Webster’s? I see your major dilemma and feel your pain. Twenty more years and English will be a foreign language!
By sam
October 16, 2007 8:06 AM | Link to this
I guess the Reds had to do something to stir up some excitement but they could have done better than this. Some stores have a thirty-day refund policy. Perhaps the Reds have thirty days to change their minds about hiring Dusty Baker? Lets hope.
By reds fan since birdie tebbets
October 16, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this
Unless thay have a decent arm, we don’t need another spoiled brat running around a dugout and lockerroom that loses more than it wins. Keep your kid at home or buy him a seat Dusty .
By reds fan since birdie tebbets
October 16, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this
Unless thay have a decent arm, we don’t need another spoiled brat running around a dugout and lockerroom that loses more than it wins. Keep your kid at home or buy him a seat Dusty .
By Bob
October 16, 2007 8:01 AM | Link to this
Amen, Boxter. you and I see it. Jr.has been the tail wagging the dog. Daily endorsement from Dr. K on how hard Griff is working(when he was hurt for 3-4 yrs.) If he’d worked hard he’d never been hurt. He’s sooooo good in the clubhouse with all his cute little boy pranks.
By paul
October 16, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this
No way did the Reds hire Dusty Baker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No more seasons tickets for me.
By bill
October 16, 2007 7:53 AM | Link to this
Dusty Baker? You have got to be kidding me. This guy has had talented players and never won a world series. I thought the Reds organization was smarter than that!
By bob
October 16, 2007 7:51 AM | Link to this
Reds fans, get ready for three more years in last place. Dusty Baker is not a big league manager. Enough said.
By boxter
October 16, 2007 7:49 AM | Link to this
Great hire for Griffey….errr……..the Reds. Baker will cater to Jr. like he does to all the has beens. Griffey used to JOG to first, now he won’t leave the batters box. Baker abuses young talent and that is all this team has. 70-92 in ‘08. This is a classic case of a has been manager late in his career getting a bunch of money to finish last and ride off into the sunset. It is really a no lose ffor Baker. The Reds have sucked, will suck and he gets out easy.
By usaro5
October 16, 2007 7:12 AM | Link to this
It is all about pitching. Castellini will have to Dusty off the wallet and find some starters before the Reds can win. Hope springs eternal - good luck Dusty.
By Joe
October 16, 2007 6:35 AM | Link to this
BAD MOVE, DUSTY IS A LOSER.
By Dayton fan
October 16, 2007 5:00 AM | Link to this
Dusty for president ,,,,,,,yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
By S.A.
October 15, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this
No manager is going to do any good until the Reds improve the starting rotation and the bullpen.
By GAR
October 15, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this
The Reds hired the best man. His teams win 90 games more often than they lose 80.
By Chad Spence
October 15, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this
Good grief, folks, give the man a chance. I must admit, I was hopeful for Torre or LaRussa, but those were not necessarily realistic choices, nor have either one of them always been great (check Torre’s track record with previous teams before he had millions to spend in New York, and LaRussa’s Cards fell hard this past season, injuries or no injuries). Truth be told, Baker’s track record is decent, and the Reds would gladly take his performance over what they have received the last ten years.
By Dave
October 15, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
Dusty is a very poor choice! Has serious leadership qualities. Needs to keep his kid and JUniors’ kid off the field. Too many kids running around to pay attention to the game. McKannin was better than Dusty will be. Dusty was run out of Frisco and Chicago because of poor managerial decisions. Castellini lied to us all along regarding keeping McKannin. Reds have a good young team that can win with pitching additions. Junior needs to go someplace and dh, he is a liability in the field.
By Vivster
October 15, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this
At first I was alarmed that the Reds did not wait until the Torre/LaRussa situation wasn’t worked out to make a run at one/both of them. Then I realized that the Reds knew either one of them was not coming (they’ll probably end up switching jobs!). After those two, WHO? I personally believe it’s a trap for Dusty since the Reds don’t need to do too much… but will do too much. Just wait on the pitching to come up. You boycotters: throw your tickets away to me. Time, date, place? I’m a true Red!
By brick
October 15, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this
Pete 5:41: I agree. Everyone’s screaming to hire a “big name”. Well, they hired one and now everyone’s “oh, wrong big name”. Let’s face it, the Reds have been horrible over the past decade. Does everyone think Baker’s going to make them worse? Please. Find some pitchers and Baker will be a genious!
By Mike
October 15, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this
Cincinnati has always been loyal to a fault. people are always wanting someone to be hired from within. last time we had an outside hire we won. let’s just give him a chance. i do agree that if we do not get some players it is moot. Total and complete change is needed. We rely on guys who get on a win streak instead of building a program. there are some good young players, but we need some toughness, not stupid tough like Freel, just tough.
By Pete
October 15, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this
At the moment, I am indifferent on DB. My question for all of those who are so dead set against him is who would you prefer they hire instead and why? I am tired of hearing how this is a bad move, but then not suggesting a better move. So I am challenge you to suggest a different person to manage. I have an open mind.
By Bob
October 15, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this
Don’t be too hard on Dusty. Anyone who can walk around for years with a toothpick stuck in him mouth without swallowing a splinter down his windpipe has to be on the ball. I knew a second cousin who tried that and he hasn’t been with us in over 50 yrs.
By Painful THIS
October 15, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this
Hey painfultruth - if ther are so many problems in the world and you’re so concerned about solving them, then why are you wasting so much “prescious” time responding to this blog? You self-righteous idiot - go save the world then and leave the rest of us uncaring inhuman sports fans to our meaningless opinions. Sorry to have offended you Mr. Nobel Peace Prize winner in waiting.
By John Doe
October 15, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this
It got your attention didn’t it.
By Mike W
October 15, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this
Girardi not a great choice. He was another one who didn’t believe in pitch counts & 2 (Rick Nolasco & Jason Johnson) or 3 young Fla. pitchers from last year had Tommy John surgery this yr. Plus, I don’t care what business you are in, you can’t tell the boss to, “Shut the * up” when he’s yelling at the umps. You think Castellini would’ve put up with that? “Name” managers are over-rated. As much as I don’t like Dusty, if the Reds don’t have a reliable bullpen, it won’t matter who the manager is.
By painfultruth
October 15, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this
It’s too bad that a baseball manager appointment garners this much attention. There actually is a real world full of problems to worry about, yet what gets the most attention? Looks like the priorities of the sports fans are obviously well out of reality. How sad…
By Bake
October 15, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this
Dusty was never a great manager in SF, and especially not in Chicago where they basically ran him out of town he was so bad. He will not do anything to help the Reds. They could have hired the ball boy and he would do just as well as Dusty. He was an average player who can’t manage. He’s too old and unskilled to manage a young team. He allowed Barry Bonds to take steroids and cheat and didn’t do a thing about it. He comes across as ignorant on every ESPN show I’ve seen him on. He should be fired
By Nathan
October 15, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
Also wanted to comment on the impending Steriods report that’s about to come out. Seems like alot of the guys names that we are going to see on there were guys that played for Dusty when he was over there in the bay area. I don’t think we can really give him credit for those manager of the year awards if he was managing a bunch of juiced up cheaters. I give Baker no credit and hate this decision.
By Nathan
October 15, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
All I have to say is that if Baker ruins the young talent we have coming up here by continually playing guys like Alex Gonzalez over Keppinger or Hatteberg and Griffey over Votto and Bruce, it’s going to be hard to stay the life-long Reds fan I’ve been. I’ve been reading these blogs all day long and I’ve never seen an out cry over a manager quite like this. I sure hope management knows something that we don’t. Go Reds, Barry Larkin for HOF in 2009!!
By Jimmy777
October 15, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
Dusty is an appropriate name for this guy. What a terrible mistake in a long list of mistakes. Who’s next, Vinny Testaverde?
By Dale
October 15, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
Give the reds a decent bullpen and it would have been 20 more wins this year with out changing any of the position players.Keep the position players they have spend some money on pitching equals winner, I don’t care who the manager is. Dusty is the man they hired,we’re not gonna change it! Give the man a chance, he can’t do no worse ???
By Pete
October 15, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
John: Based on Ray’s comments, and it sounds like he only won when he had great talent. Those are his words not mine. A great coach can also win with average talent. Look at Steve Spurrier, Lou Holtz, Sweet Lou. I don’t think it is a big deal they chose DB given who was available. His previous success though will breed confidence in a team who hasn’t learned to win yet. They are the right path regarding talent. They are not far away.
By john
October 15, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
pete ray was a great coach he had the kids out every day the kids loved him my kids played on other teams would loved my boys to play for him
By Pete
October 15, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
I’m not a big fan of DB, but on the other hand I can’t overlook 3-time manager of the year. I keep hearing about the great talent he had. Folks, SF didn’t have great talent. Yes, Bonds was great. They were decent everywhere else. He got good production out of that decent lineup. Guys like Matt Williams went elsewhere and never achieved the same success. We should have hired somebody else? Who? Maybe Giradi. Maybe Pete. A recent poll of Reds players didn’t show a resounding level of support.
By Bob
October 15, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this
I’m excited about the hiring of Dusty Baker. This team has needed someone to step in and whip them into shape instead of the “ho-hum/Gee whiz, dad, we didn’t bring our A game” managing of Boone, Miley, and Narron. I hope Dusty is the man to do just that. Rock on!
By Mike W
October 15, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
Bob Castellini needs to do one of two things: hire a real baseball man like Terry Ryan or John Shurholtz to run this organization or sell the team. This “name” manager theory was concocted by some idiotic fans & even bigger idiot writers for the Cincinnati Enquirer. Baker’s a horrible choice. However, if the Reds don’t get a No. 2 starter & at least 2 good bullpen pitchers, including a situational left, it won’t matter who manages the Reds. The results will look similar to the last 7 years.
By Mike W
October 15, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
Good thing the Red Sox (Terry Franconna), the Indians (Eric Wedge) and the Rockies (Clint Hurdle) didn’t subscribe to “name” manager theory. All 3 played major league ball but were hardly known commodities as managers. Listening to Dusty on Baseball Tonight, you’d think he is incoherent. This will prove to be a horrible hiring. The Reds need another “players” manager like they need a hole in their collective heads. Plus, while he’s 58, he sounds and acts 75. Don’t know why the hurry to sign him.
By knightdad
October 15, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
I agree with many of the posts that it takes talent to be perceived as a great manager. LaRussa is a genious in some circles, because of his success over the years. He won with the A’s (McGwire and Canseco) and with the Cardinals (Pujols, Edmonds, Roland, Morris, etc.) When his teams haven’t had an abundance of star power, he’s been mediocre, at best. Same scenerio with Baker and Cincy. Unless he can pitch every fourth day, Reds will continue to be .500 or less. Makanin deserved a shot!
By Kent
October 15, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
I don’t think what Baker said about “Latin and minority people” playing in the heat was racist. I think it was an off-the-cuff comment about his own opinion about racial attributes. To me, it is the same type of comment Jimmy the Greek made years ago. The problem is the double standard of the reaction— Greek got fired and ostracized, while Baker really didn’t get in trouble. I don’t either one should have been in trouble. People shouldn’t be so touchy about those things…
By Ben
October 15, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
Horrible move for the Reds. Dusty Baker was one of the worst managers “available.” Typical move by the Reds front office. Pete Mackanin wasn’t the answer either (he was only 2 games over .500 for crying out loud!), but hiring Dusty Baker was a bad move. I bet before the all-star break next season, there will be division and drama in the clubhouse and he will have lost control of the team. He proved that in Chicago. Let’s start guessing who will be the Reds NEXT manager after Dusty gets fired!
By Pete
October 15, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
Howard & TJ: Yes, anybody can win with great players. Only great coaches win with average players. That is the point. To suggest that you can’t win with the Reds talent is ridiculous. Just look at Colorado this year. Read Jay the Red’s comments. He was talking about you. I’m with Jay and say they can win with the talent they currently have. Nice to have one more pitcher, but frankly their pitching as a whole has underperformed so there is room for improvement and a good coach will get that
By Howard
October 15, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this
Pete and Ray: I went back and read the threads submitted by the two of you and have concluded that Pete considers himself and his thoughts to be all that matters. Ray made a very good point that great players make great managers and if the talent isn’t there, no coach can make them champions. It’s apparent that Pete considers himself a great coach, a great thinker and the altimate judge. If Castellini gets great players, Dusty will be a great manager; if not, just another loser.
By JayThe Red
October 15, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
All I have to say is wow. I have bee a Reds fan since 1988. I am happy with the hire. Dusty has a good track record for winning. Also I cannot believe some of the above posts I read. Geez there must be a lot o fair weather fans that visit this board. Also to all of you who plan on boycotting the Reds I better not see you next year if they are winnng cause then the rest of us will really know what kinda fan you are.
I like the move and only time will tell if it was the right one or not.
By T.J.
October 15, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this
PETE…You are judgmental of others while tooting your own horn. You blame a little league coach for a major leaguer not making it to the Hall of Fame. You suggest credit for yourself for one of your players becoming a Pro. You only care about facts that support your arguments and dismiss all others. A great team (75-76 Reds) makes a great coach. A known fact: everyone reaches their level of incompentency. The team with only 3 good players reached its potential. Even you couldn’t improve them.
By Richard
October 15, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
I’m surprised no one has blamed bringing Dusty to Cincy on The Greene or the smoking ban! Stupid Dayton! GO REDS! GREAT MOVE!
By Terry
October 15, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this
According to the article, Baker was .540 in ten years with the Giants and .497 in three years with the Cubs. Pete was 41-39 with the Reds this year. Baker is going to be around .500 historically. Pete is probably a .500 manager. I don’t see an advantage in hiring Baker versus Pete if the object is to get the Reds above the .500 mark next year. I don’t think either Baker or Pete would do much better than .500 with the current team. Need to lose some big salaries and apply the money to pitching.
By Brad
October 15, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
Get Jockety and Mazzone in here, and I’ll be excited for 2008. Otherwise, I don’t think this hiring, or any other, will add many wins to this team. The financial reality is, we can’t spend the money that a lot of teams can. We have to have quality people in place to get the most out of what we have. Take $3-$4MM and hire these two guys; money better spent for the long haul than spending some money on a free agent pitcher with a career losing record, or, 2 yrs. past their retirement age.
By Pete
October 15, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
My biggest reservation on Dusty is what Keith Young pointed out. I agree with him. Dusty has made some comments that would suggest he is a bigot. Hopefully though he keeps his mouth shut and builds a champion.
By Keith Young
October 15, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
Dusty Baker is a racist, nothing more, nothing less, and I don’t want a racist managing my team, period.
Evidence:
On Saturday, July 5, 2003, Dusty made his opinion on the “day vs. night” controversy publicly known:
“Personally, I like to play in the heat,” Dusty said. “Most Latin people and minority people do. You don’t find too many brothers from New Hampshire or Maine, right? We were brought over here because we could work in the heat. Isn’t that history? Your skin color is more conducive to heat than it is to the lighter-skinned people. I don’t see brothers running around burnt. That’s a fact. I’m not making this up. I’m not seeing some brothers walking around with some white stuff on their ears and noses.”
By Keith Young
October 15, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
Dusty Baker is a racist, nothing more, nothing less, and I don’t want a racist managing my team, period.
Evidence:
On Saturday, July 5, 2003, Dusty made his opinion on the “day vs. night” controversy publicly known:
“Personally, I like to play in the heat,” Dusty said. “Most Latin people and minority people do. You don’t find too many brothers from New Hampshire or Maine, right? We were brought over here because we could work in the heat. Isn’t that history? Your skin color is more conducive to heat than it is to the lighter-skinned people. I don’t see brothers running around burnt. That’s a fact. I’m not making this up. I’m not seeing some brothers walking around with some white stuff on their ears and noses.”
By Pete
October 15, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
Ray: I hope you don’t coach anymore. Every great coach would disagree w/you that no one can coach what you refer to as losers. Coaching is about making players who think as losers into players who think like champions and win. Given your ridiculous comments so far, I agree that all the credit for your player in MLB should probably go to the player and his OTHER coaches. With your loser mentality, you were just an obstacle. Just think what might have been if your player had another coach. HOF?
By Pete
October 15, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
Pete: I hope you don’t coach anymore. Every great coach would disagree w/you that no one can coach what you refer to as losers. Coaching is about making players who think as losers into players who think like champions and win. Given your ridiculous comments so far, I agree that all the credit for your player in MLB should probably go to the player and his OTHER coaches. With your loser mentality, you were just an obstacle. Just think what might have been if your player had another coach. HOF?
By Pete
October 15, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
Will: First, we are talking about professionals, not little leaguers. Second, if you read the thread, Ray did suggest one of his teams had mediocre talent and he did build a winner. Third, who cares what the Reds did in 1991. I couldn’t care less what the Reds did in 2007 or what they do in 2009 if they win a championship in 2008. I remember 75, 76, & 90, not 1991. I hope to be able to remember 2008. Finally, I have given your concern regarding my grammar the attention it deserves. Thanks.
By RAY
October 15, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
Pete: Anyone can coach winners; no one can coach losers. That was my point. And, by the way, one of my former players pitched for the Pirates and Red Sox. All the credit goes to the player; I claim no credit for his success.