Dusty Baker? | jhorten9's Blog

According to John Fay's blog from the Cincinnati Enquirer, Dusty Baker has emreged as a viable candidate for the Cincinnati Reds next manager. Can't argue too much with his credentials. Although he never reached the success with the Cubs he/they would've liked, he took the Giants to the series and has had a lot of success.

For his career, Baker was the manager of the year in NL three times. He's career record is 1,142-1,041 and he's had 88 wins or more eight times in 14 years.

The key for Baker I think is to watch out for running the arms in the ground. Both Mark Prior and Kerry Wood's careers took a downturn from ALLEGED overuse. I put that in all caps because they were not used nearly as much as Bob Feller, Bob Gibson, Tom Seaver, etc. Not saying they weren't overused, but to say they are fragile is fair.

Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo are workhorse-type pitchers. Can the likes of Homer Bailey, Johnny Cueto, Matt Belisle and other young Reds pitchers fit that mold? One thing is for sure, the bullpen has to perform better or the manager is going to "overuse" the starters because it's the only chance to win.

If Baker gets the job, I won't be bothered. He's had success. I still think Pete Mackanin deserves the opportunity and if the Yankees fire Joe Torre, I'd at least want to make a run at him as well.

Any Reds fans have thoughts out there?

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October 11, 2007 04:54 PM ET

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Why would Dusty want to manage the Reds? Didnt he suffer enough mental illness from the black eye he got on his managerial resume thanks to the Cubs?

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October 11, 2007 06:31 PM ET

The Reds have some young talent and there is a lot less pressure managing in Cincy and it is a good baseball town. The club has potential and if he makes something of it, he'll be treated like a king. The fan base is starving for a winner.