What they did was they left a trail of toothpicks from an ESPN broadcast booth all the way to Cincinnati. It was only a matter of time before Dusty showed up at the office.After getting a year off thanks to the Cubs firing him, Dusty Baker will end his short foray into broadcasting and rejoin the ranks of the baseball manager. The Reds have hired him to replace Pete Mackanin as the team's manager.
The Reds have chosen Dusty Baker as their new manager and have signed him to a three-year contract, ESPN reported on Saturday night.Baker, of course, is already familiar with the NL Central since he spent three years in Chicago managing the Cubs. I have no idea if he's going to be able to turn things around in Cincinnati, all I know is that Aaron Harang might want to get his arm insured, and that I'm thrilled I won't have to hear Baker calling games anymore.
Baker, currently an ESPN baseball analyst, has 14 seasons of managerial experience with the Giants (1993-2002) and Cubs (2003-06) and is a three-time National League Manager of the Year. He will remain with ESPN until the end of the postseason.
The Reds are expected to formally introduce Baker during a press conference on Monday.
If only he'd hire Joe Morgan as his bench coach.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-14-2007 @ 2:49AM
GreatR said...
Just when you think the Reds can't do anything dumber, they go and sign Baker. I suppose its a perfect marriage, two of the biggest losers getting together. My advice to the pitchers is get out while you are still able to throw a ball without pain. Because the your days are numbered. And to the position players.....just get out. What a shame.
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10-14-2007 @ 4:48AM
Bill Marini said...
What do you mean, a shame?
I bet Dusty takes immediate steps to shore up the Reds rotation. Like maybe calling the Cubs and sweet-talking them out of three "experienced" starters... Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, and Steve Trachsel. I'm sure the Cubs would swap all three of them for a couple of "unproven" prospects... like maybe Homer Bailey and Josh Hamilton. ROFLMAO
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10-14-2007 @ 5:36AM
Monty Metcalfe said...
Well you really don't have to wonder why the Reds keep on being a bottom feeder when they make a quick choice like this. I'm sure the Cubbies are getting a good chuckle out of this hire. Guess all the LaRussa rumors to the Queen city can now be put to rest. Strong work Cincinnati.
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10-14-2007 @ 6:41AM
mrfakrash said...
U guys are all idiots...
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10-14-2007 @ 6:50AM
mrfakrash said...
You just hate seeing a Black Man get ahead don't youZ?
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10-14-2007 @ 7:38AM
ivanatlas said...
With this blunder of a decision to hire Baker, the Reds have sealed their doom as cellar dwellers for at least the next 5 to 8 years.
Dusty Baker was the NL Manager of the Year in 1993, 1997 and 2000 but he only won those awards because he is black.
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10-14-2007 @ 8:58AM
nickstoli said...
Why not Dusty? He may be the Marty Shottenheimer of MLB -- he'll make a bad team good but never make a good team great -- but so what?
The Reds are a bad team. Maybe now they'll at least be good.
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10-14-2007 @ 9:37AM
John Daresh said...
Dusty Baker has no clue as to how to work with pitchers. By the way, the kid reaching for the foul ball at Wrinkly Field did not cause he Cubs to choke--again five years ago. Rusty Dusty should have removed his starting pitcher at he beginning of the inning, And having a shortstop watch as a ball rolls under his legs was not a fan's fault. Oh well, big sales in toothpicks are on the Cincy horizon.
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10-14-2007 @ 9:51AM
blue said...
Don't care if Dusty Baker is purple with pink polka dots. If the Reds were going to bring back a tired old retread they might as well have brought back Davey Johnson. At least he's actually WON something!
Wonder if they talked to Barry Larkin? seems that might have been a better move. oh well, 3 more years of below mediocrity on the Cincy horizon.
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10-19-2007 @ 11:59AM
Birdie said...
Now the Reds have some real problems. Dusty will screw that pitching staff up like he has everywhere he has been
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10-14-2007 @ 12:52PM
Smiley said...
Could not agree more with GreatR, Baker, in my opinion, is highly over rated and has fooled team owners with his talk. This just shows there is a real lack of managerial talent available.
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10-14-2007 @ 11:28AM
srslychris said...
I think Dusty will turn the Reds around, it was a very smart decision. He has what it takes to lead the reds to places they havnt been in years. Youre bashing him before the season even starts, give it a rest.
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10-14-2007 @ 11:41AM
Phenerd said...
I thought for sure everyone would gush at this hire like ESPN did last night. I guess Im not the only one who thinks its a mistake maybe they can deal let Adam Dunn go and sign Barry Bonds to play left.Homer Bailey and Aaron Harang need to call there agents today or get injury insurance ASAP.I too dont care what color he is and i think Barry Larkin , Ken Griffey Sr. or waiting for after the World Series for someone who was a proven winner makes more sense.
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10-15-2007 @ 6:07PM
Julie said...
Just what Cincinnati needs is another Raciest. Castellini needs to go run The Freedom Center because the attendance will be about the same for the next 3 years at GABP.
I WILL NOT SUPPORT THIS TEAM!
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