DaytonDailyNews.com

CHICAGO — Dusty Baker can only dream and wish — as in, wouldn't it have been superb to have CC Sabathia pitching for Cincinnati on Sunday, July 13, against Milwaukee instead of CC pitching against the Reds?

"I'd love to have him," Baker said wistfully. "Who knows? When the year is over with and if they don't sign him? I don't know where he wants to end up, but I'd like us to take a shot at him. He's a great pitcher and hitter."

That would require owner Bob Castellini to sell a lot of lettuce and cucumbers, because Sabathia turned down $75 million from the Cleveland Indians before they traded him and there are reports the New York Yankees might offer him $125 million after the season.

The Reds faced him on the last trip to Cleveland and it wasn't pleasant — no runs, four hits, two walks, 11 strikeouts in eight innings of Cleveland's 6-0 victory.

"It was a good move on Milwaukee's part," Baker said. "There is a lot of time left. I just wish they hadn't traded him to our division. We still have a lot of games left with them (12 games)."

Marty on the spot

Marty Brennaman arrived at Wrigley Field with a body guard, furnished by the Reds security department, after Brennaman called Wrigley inhabitants idiots and the worst fans in baseball when the Reds were here in April.

Brennaman wore a bright red shirt Tuesday, and Ken Griffey Jr. said, "Why didn't you just paint a target on yourself?"

Said Brennaman, "Exactly what I wanted. If they want a piece of me, they know where to find me. I asked to sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in the seventh inning, but they turned me down."

Griffey laughed and said, "I'm no longer Public Enemy No. 1 in Wrigley. I might even get cheered here."

A Chicago radio station played Brennaman's April rant all day Monday and Tuesday.

Keppinger skidding

Since coming off the disabled list June 22, Jeff Keppinger is 8-for-45 (.178) and started Tuesday's game in an 0-for-22 slide.

And he's frustrated. He is hitting the ball hard, but right at defenders or defenders steal hits from him.

Baker heard him say the other day after hitting one on the sweet spot and watching the second baseman snag it, "There isn't a hole out there." Said Baker, "No, no, no. There are plenty out there."

That's why Baker keeps plugging him into the lineup.

"His timing is off," Baker said. "And he is playing catch-up after missing, what, six weeks? I'm playing him as much as I can because you can't play catch-up when you're sitting. We know he is going to hit."

Edwin's day off

It was Edwin Encarnacion's turn to observe from the dugout Tuesday as Keppinger played third base and Jerry Hairston Jr. played shortstop against Cubs right-hander Ryan Dempster.

"He hasn't had a lot of success against Dempster (1-for-11, .091, two strikeouts) and Dempster throws a lot of sliders," Baker said. "This probably will be Edwin's last day out of the starting lineup on this trip."

Quote of the day

"I need a cholesterol count. I had dinner at Smith & Wollensky's — lobster salad, lobster bisque, steak and lobster, then went back to the hotel and collapsed." — Pitching coach Dick Pole, who has not yet grown claws.