Dusty Must Defend Daughter's Honor

When Dusty Baker was still managing the Chicago Cubs, he did a lot of things that Cubs fans just didn't quite understand. One of the things Baker did that drove most of the Cubs fans I know crazy was his seemingly undying devotion to Corey Patterson. Patterson was touted as a five-tool superstar in the making as a Cub, but he never developed into one, and instead spent most of his time striking out on forehead high fastballs or flying out harmlessly.

It was enough to make some people wonder if Corey had some kind of dirt on Dusty, and was blackmailing him for playing time. Then when Baker went to Cincinnati to manage the Reds, guess who he brought with him? That's right, Corey Patterson. Now after Reds fans were forced to watch Patterson play all season and hit .206 (not to mention the sparkling .241 OBP), they've come up with their own ideas for why Corey is sticking around. Rumors Dusty felt the need to refute publicly.

There's been a persistent rumor floating around the Reds that Baker's 28-year-old daughter, Natosha, is dating and/or engaged to outfielder Corey Patterson.

Baker finally had enough when players on the Astros asked him about it.

There's no truth to it, Baker said. Natosha is not dating Patterson.

"She hasn't even been to Cincinnati," Baker said. "This is so far out of line. It's hurtful to my wife and daughter. How can people stoop that low? I don't know who started it. But I've been hearing from fans, players, announcers."

I don't know about you, but I'm just happy the Astros have finally decided to stop talking about how Bud Selig ruined their season, and are focusing on more important things like who is sleeping with Dusty's daughter. The truth is Corey did ask Dusty's daughter out on a date once, but much like the majority of his trips to the batter's box, he struck out. *

*Not true, but good luck proving it.