[MVP2]

Will Dusty Baker be the next Skipper in Cincy?

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3059692

[jammin' jamey]

The Reds may be getting close to naming a manager, sources with the team say. One candidate who has recently emerged is ESPN analyst Dusty Baker. The Reds are known to have interviewed Baker. The team has spoken to at least one minority candidate, as is mandated by Major League Baseball. If hired, Baker would be the first African-American manager in Reds history. Baker is a three-time National League manager of the year (1993, 1997, 2000). Krivsky said that the team has not talked to interim manager Pete Mackanin since the season ended.

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...710120424/

My gut says that the Reds are getting a cold shoulder from La Russa. And with the Yankees job in the balance, can the Reds really wait to see if Joe Girardi is available? It's obvious the Reds would be a "second" choice for him.

I'd rather have Bob Brenley, an Ohio native who has openly expressed interest in the job since day 1. Baker cannot handle a pitching staff, would rather play veterans over young talent (see the Giants in recent years and the Cubs - look at their rosters when Baker was there.) Does that really fit the Reds mold? No.

Also, according to the Sports Animal AM 1530HOMER radio in the Queen City, Bob Brenly is not a candidate for the job. The Reds would have to move off their "extremley short list" for his name to become a factor. Joe Girardi is not interested in the job. All signs point to Dusty Baker.

[GRIZZ]

I saw that last night. Hard to say who will end up being the Reds next skipper, but I just hope someone will come in and help them finally make the post-season.

[alfus21]

I know in an earlier post I said anybody but LaRussa, but that was before Dusty Baker was a candidate. I will stop following the Reds all together if he is the next manager.

[StrikeoutKing]

I'm not a Dusty Baker fan. I never thought his teams were very well managed. I'll watch him on Baseball Tonight, and I rarely ever agree with the man. It may be because I have different perspectives when it comes to baseball, but I can't even begin to realize how his thoughts are reasonable. I will be a Reds fan until the day I die, but I can't say that I will be a Dusty Baker fan should he become manager. I just think there are better candidates out there.

[jammin' jamey]

I know in an earlier post I said anybody but LaRussa, but that was before Dusty Baker was a candidate. I will stop following the Reds all together if he is the next manager.

96 losses with the Cubs not too long ago??? Clashing with players in the clubhouse (Sammy Sosa?)

I'll take Ray Knight again over Baker.

Just remember, the Reds had to interview a minority candidate for the position per MLB rules. I'm not being a racist or anything, but the Reds have never had a black manager in their history. If they wouldn't hire Frank Robinson, why would they pick Dusty Baker?

[jammin' jamey]

Two accomplished managers could come into play soon: Joe Torre of the New York Yankees and Tony La Russa of the St. Louis Cardinals. If the Reds want to take a shot at either, it makes sense to wait.

Of the three teams that have openings - Pittsburgh and Kansas City are the other two - the Reds seemingly have the most attractive situation. The picture gets muddier if La Russa replaces Torre in New York and the St. Louis job opens up.

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...710130461/

[Batpuff]

Looks like he will be named the manager monday.

[Scotty doesn't know]

Looks like we have our manager. Hope this works out!

[alfus21]

Unfreakin' believable.