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Baker's winning formula? Big money, good players
Monday, September 08, 2008
CINCINNATI — Dusty Baker didn't want to be lured into the topic asked of him about what it is like managing in Chicago.
Baker, though, won't duck a question. "No comment" is not in his vocabulary, so he gave the writer what he wanted — what it is like managing in Chicago in comparison to San Francisco and Cincinnati.
"Well, you're under a lot more scrutiny in Chicago," he said. "There are a lot more people helping you manage. It's different because the Cubs haven't won in so long, that's the main difference."
Asked what it takes to win in Chicago, Baker quickly said, "Have a good team. That's what you need. An outstanding team. And if you don't have one, it is tougher there than other places. The problem is too many people in Chicago are expecting to lose.
"Hey, man, I'm not there any more," Baker added. "I had my turn. I just wish they had reloaded when I was there the way they have now. We lost Sammy Sosa and Moises Alou. That was big."
Over the last offseason, the Cubs invested $300 million in extending contracts, signing free agents and manager Lou Piniella.
"That's a deep team over there now," said Baker. "A real deep team. I wish they had loaded me up like this."
Dickerson scratched
Outfielder Chris Dickerson was in Sunday's lineup until just before game time, but was removed due to a sore left ankle.
He didn't stay down the entire game. Baker used him as a pinch-hitter in the ninth and his bad-hop hit scored two runs, tying the game, 3-3.
"It's something that has bothered him off and on all year," said Baker.
"We don't know yet if he'll be able to play (tonight in Milwaukee)."
Dickerson, a call-up from Class AAA Louisville only because the team traded two outfielders — Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn — has been a bold surprise.
He has hit in nine of his last 10 games and in 18 of his 22 major-league games. Sixteen of his 28 major-league hits are for extra bases.
The ol' spoilsports
The Reds are on the road for their next six as they continue Operation Spoilsport, three in Milwaukee against the second-place Brewers (National League Central) beginning tonight and three in Arizona against the second-place Diamondbacks (NL West) beginning Friday.
In fact, 16 of their remaining 19 games are against teams still in contention and Baker said he plans to play them all like playoff games, "Depending upon where they are in the standings.
"I have personal pride in my record, our record, everybody's record," he added. "And what else do we have now but pride. I'm sure we have pride."
Quote of the day
When told the Reds had six games left with Milwaukee and even though he knows how Cubs fans feel these days about Dusty Baker (not a love-in), Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster said, "He'll have a lot of cheerleaders in Chicago and fans saying, 'C'mon, Dusty, we love you.'"
