The Reds have made Dusty Baker an offer to continue managing past this season, according to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Baker, currently in the third and final year of a contract worth about $10.5MM, says he just got the extension offer from Cincinnati a few days ago and is "still evaluating it."
When Baker reportedly asked the Reds about a contract extension near the start of the season, they had evidently not yet made a decision about his future. However, with the team outperforming expectations this year (68-51, in first place by 2.5 games), Baker has silenced many of his doubters.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports recently suggested that, given all the clubs who will be searching for a new manager this winter, Baker would have his share of suitors if he decided to leave Cincinnati.
In Dusty, Jocketty trusty. lol
In Dusty only idiots trusty.
Over the last three years, I am pretty sure, Pete MacKanin could have done just as well as Toothpick (and probably better) and cost the Reds at least $8 million dollars less whiie doing so.
“In Dusty only idiots trusty.”
He has someone’s ear to bend high up. Beyond that, I guess the Reds fighting for a division is perfect timing in the last year of a contract if you are Johnny B.
Rest in peace, left arm of Aroldis Chapman.
Ok this is crap Baker has not even coached him a single day and for so many people to say they like this is just messed up. There is no evidence that Baker is messing up anyone’s arms since joining the Reds. Bailey has had injury issues well before dusty came in. Volquez is not dusty’s fault either. Baker has been really careful with the young arms this season example Leake now working in the bullpen the rest of the season.
Who says it was Baker calling the shots this year concerning the young pitchers? Did you ever think thr Front Office might have had some say in matters after watching what Baker did to Harang, Volquez and Bailey?
Since Dick Pole was the guy Baker wanted as his Pitching Coach, it is HIGHLY doubtful Pole would go against Toothpick’s wishes, as far as how pitchers were handled. With Pole gone and Price in, Baker has less say over the pitching staff and they heve been handled better this year.
see post below to see my the bailey and volquez situation. Harang I agree baker messed up on there.
also was looking at the history of my posts. You have never once agreed with a single comment I have ever made so from this point on I wont bother reading your posts cause I will know you wont agree with what I have to say.
Really? Whose arm has he injured in Cincy? Whose arm did he injure in Chicago? (Don’t gimme that BS about Wood and Prior). Travis Wood was sent down for a few weeks to spare innings. Cueto had been shut down early last two seasons. Leake sent to pen to save innings. Come up with a better criticism.
Harang pitched 103 pitches against the Padres in May of 2008, then Baker brought him back on two days rest (?!) to throw four innings in an extra inning game. Harang has been terrible ever since.
Not sure what your basis for claiming that the Wood and Prior injuries were “BS,” but the Harang injury is evidence enough of Baker’s ignorance in handling pitchers.
apparently managers are never allowed to make mistakes on anything. Yes i agree bringing back Harrang so soon was a bonehead move. My question then is does this make him abuse all pitchers?
With the Reds being a “small market” team, Harang being the ace and one of the highest paid players on the team, all it takes is ONE misused and abused pitcher for Baker to have a lasting and detrimental affect on not only the staff but the team and not only for a current season but seasons in the future.
Amen to that. Destroying Harang in May 2008 cost the Reds about 4 million in 2008, 11 million in 2009, 12.5 million this year and 2 million on Harang’s buyout this off season. A team with a 75 million (or so) payroll simply can’t afford to be so monumentally stupid.
Edinson Volquez.
Johnny B to the Dodgers in 2011!
He gets to ruin Chapmans arm next season!
praying for all your relievers
Edison Volquez and Androis Champman better run out of town if they want to use there throwing arm again.
The Reds drafted Drew Stubs instead of Tim Lincecum because they were afraid fo Lincecum’s mechanics.
The Reds traded Josh Hamilton for Edinson Volquez and I NEVER heard ANYTHING about his mechanics being messed up or the Reds being afraid of HIM breaking down. Yet, after one year of Dusty overusing him, he was injured and had to have Tommy John surgery.
All I EVER heard about Homer Bailey was this young stud who was going to be the Saviour (and how good his mechanics were) yet after one year od Baker, he was injured.
May 25, 2008, Baker misued Harang in the San Diego game and Harang sucked for the rest of the year.
May 25, 2009, Baker misused Harang in the Houston Astros game and he sucked for the rest of the year.
So, yes, there ARE instances of Baker messing Reds’ pitchers arms up.
Late last year, when the Reds had yet ANOTHER losing record and were out of Play Off contention, a reporter asked Baker about the Reds and their bad year and his reponse was something like, ‘these are not my players”. Thus throwing his team under the bus and intimating that the losing was because of the players Jocketty and previous GM’s brought in.
Now that they are winning, I am SURE Toothpick would say “these are his players”.
Funny, because other than Orlando Cabrera, the players on this year’s team are either the same guys who were there last year, guys who were already in the Minors (Travis Wood, Juan Francisco) or guys who were drafted (Mike Leake) or brought in by Jocketty (Rolen and Cairo).
In April, 2006, the Reds played over their head and the grouch, Ca$htellini gave Jerry Narron a contract extension., The Reds sucked for the rest of the year and into 2007, until Narron was fired.
The Reds had losing records in 2008 and 2009 under Baker and have played over their heads this year and Ca$htellini is getting ready to make the SAME mistake again (offering a contract extension to a Manager who doesn’t deserve it).
It was Baker who wanted Corey Patterson, Jerry Hairston Jr, Paul Bako, Jerry Hairston Jr (again) and Wily Taveras. It was Baker who overused them and put together Bad lineups.
It was Baker who batted King Griffey Jr third “out of respect” even though Votto was better and SHOULD hvae been batting higher than seventh in the order.
It was Baker who hit Taveras first and Alex Gonzalez second most of the year in 2009, even though they were two of the WORST hitters in ALL of baseball.
It was Baker who hit the Center Fielder first and the Short Stop second in EVERY game of Spring Training this year, including a split squad game where the games were played in two different cities and there were two different Center Fielders and two different Short Stops.
It was Baker who CONTINUED to bat the CF first and the SS second to start this year and it was those players who didn’t perform well and the Reds had a LOSING record while they hit in those positions. I am pretty sure it was the Frotn Office who suggested (told) Baker to change things around after witnessing what happened last year.
It was Baker who wanted Dick Pole as Pitching Coach and Baker who did NOT want to fire him. It was only after the Front Office suggested Pole should go that Baker got rid of him adn Bryan Price was hired.
As others have said, it seems the Reds are winning IN SPITE of Baker and that the Front Office is making Baker make decisions that he doesn’t want to make and THOSE decisions are IMPROVING the team.
So WHY should Baker be brought back?
“It was Baker who wanted Corey Patterson, Jerry Hairston Jr, Paul Bako, Jerry Hairston Jr (again) and Wily Taveras. It was Baker who overused them and put together Bad lineups. ”
Willy Taveras was a Walt Jocketty signing. Paul Bako was meant to be a BACKUP for this team, not a starter. And there was absolutely nothing wrong with Jerry Hairston, Jr. Was he a leadoff guy? No. But he’s not a bad player or fielder. I really wish your arguments supported some sort validity.
“It was Baker who batted King Griffey Jr third “out of respect” even though Votto was better and SHOULD hvae been batting higher than seventh in the order.”
That’s pure opinionated garbage. Baker NOT ONE said he was batting Griffey third “out of respect.” I’m not a huge Dusty Baker fan myself, but that’s just crap.
“It was Baker who CONTINUED to bat the CF first and the SS second to start this year and it was those players who didn’t perform well and the Reds had a LOSING record while they hit in those positions. I am pretty sure it was the Frotn Office who suggested (told) Baker to change things around after witnessing what happened last year.”
You’re pretty sure? Are you now? Couldn’t Baker just have made the change himself? Unless you have some sort of proof this actually happened, quit making these ignorant claims. You’re just throwing stuff out there and hoping it’s the truth.
“It was Baker who wanted Dick Pole as Pitching Coach and Baker who did NOT want to fire him. It was only after the Front Office suggested Pole should go that Baker got rid of him adn Bryan Price was hired.”
It was Greg Maddux who said that Dick Pole was the best pitching coach he ever had. Now, coming from a future Hall of Fame pitcher, that’s saying a lot! Dick Pole is not a bad pitching coach. He was dealt some very awful cards while coaching with the Reds, to say the least. Do you forget the Mike Stanton year? One of the worst bullpens in baseball.
“As others have said, it seems the Reds are winning IN SPITE of Baker and that the Front Office is making Baker make decisions that he doesn’t want to make and THOSE decisions are IMPROVING the team.”
Yes, because the players on the team are saying to each other, “We hate that Dusty Baker. We should win in spite of him!” Seriously…is there ANYTHING you say that isn’t pure opinionated garbage? Good lord.
“The Reds had losing records in 2008 and 2009 under Baker and have played over their heads this year and Ca$htellini is getting ready to make the SAME mistake again (offering a contract extension to a Manager who doesn’t deserve it).”
They had Edwin Encarnacion, Alex Gonzalez, and other crap players playing positions that essentially screwed the team. It plagued them for years.
Dusty Baker has made changes over time and molded this team into a winner. He’s made a lineup that goes out there and wins every day. How can it be argued that he DOESN’T deserve an extension.
By using your stupid “small market team” analogy, if anything, he deserves the extension more than Jerry Narron, Bob Boone, etc. BTW, a “small market team” is only small market while they are losing. The Reds, over multiple times in the past, have had one of the highest payrolls in baseball. Granted, they don’t have the market size of the Yankees, but if you create a legacy of winning, then that market comes along with it.
Thank you for putting him in his place. Ctownboy constantly makes posts fighting with just about everyone on this board sometimes I think he simply posts to be ignorant, or simply to cause arguments with him. your post was back up with facts something rarely that ctownboy does. well ok sometimes he does, Ill give him a tiny bit of credit.
Thank you for making your reply it was very informative and helpful.
Team has made a big jump this year due to the maturation of some of the young pitchers and front office moves. Dusty is the same guy he was the previous two years he just has better material. In looking ahead Jocketty has a wealth of talent coming up, and the resources and know-how to trade for missing pieces without sacrificing a lot; but this is not the best time to bring in someone new. Who knows if the offer is even acceptable to Dusty, he may have made enough noise to get BC and WJ to offer something but there’s no guarantee he’ll accept it and they may be happy if he walks.
I agree not a good time to change managers but if Dusty is asking too much in return I say we let him walk. Like you said too they might have kinda low balled him hoping he wont accept it and walk.
As far as the players developing I totally agree with this. Even though Bruce has not done as well as hoped same goes with Stubbs. I think some of our players have really come along.. Cairo has been a huge help this year and so have some of the other vets that have been brought in. Edmonds finally looks like he is starting to do something too, he had a good night last night, lets hope he continues that.
The Reds are just thinking about the rest of league. Imagine if Dusty went to the Nationals and had to manage Strasburg? GJ for saving Strasburg Reds
dusty was and is a tool; I firmly believe that managers can’t win postseason series, but they can lose them;in 2000 Rusty made a stupid move after another in his bullpen handling, specially not putting Rob Nen in a game that went to extras;then you cant possibly argue that Rusty didnt kill Prior’s carrer, more like butchered it;and they are giving him fresh arms? wont they ever learn?Rusty should not be managing anywhereany AAA coach can do what he does, enough toothpick, he has to go…
Wow you follow this guy so close that you called him Rusty 3 times in your post. oh but good job you got it right once at the beginning of your post.
Even though i don’t agree that Dusty has the complete blame for messing up several players arms I do agree that he is a bone head sometimes and needs to go. The problem is I don’t think it is going to happen so we probably should just get over it and hope for the best.
I should’ve warned first about it, “Rusty” may not be clever name calling, but 100% intentional…
I really wish ctownboy would shut up. The Reds are in first place, and his arguments about losing teams, Baker, Castellini, etc….ARE NOT LONGER VALID! How can you gripe and complain about a team that is in first place? Put your grudges (we all know you hate everything about the Cincinnati Reds) aside, and root for the team to win.
I really hope I don’t ever see you at a game. You’re worse than a moaning Cards fan.
Amen brother..!!!!!!!!!
Someone above said the Reds are playing way over their ability. Just curious how long it would take them to say the Reds are a winning team and just maybe they are doing it cause they have a good team.. No way that won’t happen though with some posters.
I wrote above that I wont be repling to Ctownboy anymore cause his posts are always negative toward the Reds and he argues with everyone over everything.
I intend to keep that promise.. thank you though for making good comments mate.
Look forward to chatting with you in the future.
I still get a kick when Dodgers fans are so obsessed with the Reds and our great players/manager.
So Dr. Toothpick Armburner is about to get an extension? Looks like this might be the high water mark for the Reds, it’s all down hill from here. Really, has Dusty ever had a team that had some success and then equaled or bettered that success the following year (sans Barry “The Incredible Hulk” Bonds)? My guess is that the Reds are succeeding right now despite Dusty, not because of him. Give him a bit longer to tinker and this team will falter similar to all of his other teams. He’s not a good manager.
You’re a Cubs fan, enough said. When has ANY manager worked in the windy city? Hell, you have Lou Pineilla and even HE can’t have success there. You guys haven’t won a series in over 100 years and aren’t going to for a loooong while.
I’m not saying Dusty Baker is the greatest manager there, but managers play the cards they are dealt. Dusty’s not known for his pitching management, that’s for sure. But you have to have a good pitching coach to step in and say when to do something right, and not your buddies. Bryan Price is exactly that.
Go Reds!
I love this post , its logical , and it gives good arguments.. comment about getting better or maintaining his status is great. Thank you for an objective post. appreciate it.
To all the Reds fans who are defending Dusty….. Okay, it’s on you. When his tenure in Cincinnati ends badly (and it will end badly, it always ends badly for him) you’ll be calling for his head too, finally realizing that he’s not deserving of the title manager. When that happens think back to this day and realize your mistake so that you don’t make it again. Giants fans and Cub fans have all gone through this, now it’s your turn. You’ll figure it out and some point, it’s just too bad that you’ll be going through at least two contract with the guy instead of figuring it out sooner rather than later. Defend him now if you want but realize crow is an acquired taste, you may not like it.
Giants fans? The Giants fans LOVE Dusty Baker. They cheer him every time he returns to San Francisco. He wasn’t ousted from there. He left for a more lucrative offer from Chicago. Again, not a Dusty Baker fan, but if you’re going to make a comment about him, have some substantial backing to it. You and ctownboy should go out for a few drinks.
I don’t like Baker too much myself but I also don’t like how people continue to use his past against him. Your comment above is right on the head about how even though Baker is managing it they are winning still the same despite him and some of his bonehead moves he does get lucky sometimes too though and make good calls. Example when Coco was blowing a lead last week He took him out and put Masset in to finish the game and save us the win.
Something else to note the decision to Keep or get rid of Baker is only on two people not the people who depend him. Jocketty and Castellini and that is it. No matter what opinion any of us has from here its not on any of us.
anyways, the reds will be sorry if he takes it, as most of us here agree;
and I dont think san fran fans love him, it’s just that he didnt have any good arms to destroy, so there is no blaming him in the bay, that’s all…
The last time people doubted the Reds all season long saying they would “fade” constantly over the course of the season: 1990. Then they said the Reds wouldn’t beat the Pirates. Then they said the Reds would get swept by Oakland. Keep doubting this team, they feed off of it. Colin Cowherd 4 days ago declared the Reds “frauds” and since then the Reds are 4-0 and have expanded their lead over the fraud-less Cardinals to 3 games.
Make that 3 1/2 games as of tonight. Also 2 sweeps in a row Dodgers are a good test for the Reds though will be interesting to see how they handle this series.