Dusty Baker got a 'vote of confidence' Wednesday from Reds chief, Bob Castellini. What else would you expect Castellini to say except that Baker was his guy? The Reds owe Baker in excess of $3.5 million next season and the Reds are in no position to eat that deal. The real question is: is Baker the right guy for this team?
Injures aside, the Reds have been an under-performing group this season. Jay Bruce, before getting injured, couldn't have hit a beach ball. Aaron Harang is a shadow of what he was two year ago. And Willy Tavares has been good money poorly spent. This ballclub was poorly constructed and it remains a hapharzard compilation of too many GM's (5 in the last 7 years) and too many managers (5 in the last 7 years) and a farm system that until 2004 was in complete atrophy.
Firing Baker would only add to the chaos. But the Reds need some fresh voices. They've had too many pitching coaches and too many hitting coaches since 2000. But it's obvious to me, that Dick Pole and Brook Jacoby aren't getting through to their students. With each, there seems to be no specific philosophy. My guess is, if there are changes to be made in the off season, they'll start with the major league coaches on Baker's staff.
As I plan ahead for my weekly radio show on 700 WLW, two of my guests will address the Reds situation. One, is Denny Knobler, from cbssports.com. I want to ask Denny about the recent trade for Scott Rolen (I remain a big supporter of that move) and if the real blue print the Reds should follow is the one designed by the Twins former GM, Terry Ryan.
Another guest will be Reds AA second baseman, Todd Frazier. The thing I want to know from Todd is whether or not he's tired of getting pushed around the diamond. He's now at second, but has player short, third and left this season. Is he a man without a position? Or is he at second now, so the Reds can move Brandon Phillips to short stop next season? Reds GM Walt Jocketty says 'no'. Maybe he's really saying 'no', because Phillips could be traded in the off season? Just a thought.
See you tonight at 6p and 11p on WLWT Channel 5 in Cincinnati
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