Sunday, October 14, 2007

Reds need much more than Baker

The Reds hired Dusty Baker as their next manager.
Please excuse me while I yawn.
Baker seems to be a pleasant fellow. I saw him sign autographs and chat with fans for close to 45 minutes after another loss at Wrigley Field last year.
But whether Baker can or can't manage isn't the question. He did take the Giants to the World Series. He guided the Cubs to the playoffs before they collapsed and finished 66-96 in 2006.
The Reds need pitching, pitching and more pitching.
Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo are the only givens in the rotation.
The bullpen is a complete mess. Youngster Jared Burton showed promise and veteran David Weathers was steady. The remainder of the pen proved to be a nightly adventure.
Baker is probably a good choice. Interim manager Pete Mackanin would have been just as worthy.
The Reds aren't going anywhere without pitching. The staff needs two more starters and at least three more relievers.
Top prospects first baseman-outfielder Joey Votto and outfielder Jay Bruce, The Sporting News' minor league player of the year, won't fill that void.
Either will Baker.

No comments: