What the Reds Have to Look Forward to With Baker

[illiniguy]

If I were a Reds fan I would probably be having to hope that Bruce doesn't make the bigs this year. The last thing they need is having him around Baker and his don't clog the bases mentality. As a Cubs fan I hope Jay is working side by side with Dusty as we speak.

[CubinNY]

New/old gold for the collection.

 

"I'm big on driving in runs and scoring runs," Baker said. "Guys in the middle should score about close to equal to what they drive in. On-base percentage, that's fine and dandy. But a lot of times guys get so much into on-base percentage that they cease to swing. It's becoming a little bit out of control.

 

"What you do is run the pitcher's count up, that helps," Baker said. "You put him in the stretch, that helps. But your job in the middle is to either score them or drive them in. The name of the game is scoring runs. Sometimes, you get so caught up in on-base percentage that you're clogging up the bases."

 

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080223&content_id=2385630&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin

 

You can't make this stuff up. Adam Dunn is in his condo/hotel room/whatever in Sarasota, curled up in the fetal position and in tears.

Dunn will be sold for pennies on the dollar. I could see him in Yankee Pinstripes becoming a hero by the end of the season.

 

Dusty's name should be Ytsud. He's that backwards.

[BigbadB]

Sometimes, you get so caught up in on-base percentage that you're clogging up the bases."

 

Dusty knows what he speaks. Because in that awesome 2006 season, the Cubs finished 6th in the league in total hits in the NL, and finished 15th in total runs scored because the bases were always clogged by walks.

 

Let's ignore for a moment that Philadelphia (top run scoring team of 2007) had a lower batting average than the Cubs in 2007. The 149 run differential between Philly and the Cubs couldn't have ANYTHING to do with drawing walks, since Philly only drew 231 more walks than the Cubs did in 2007.

 

And to further prove Dusty knows what he speaks, let's look at the 2006 Cubs pitching staff, which clogged bases better than anyone with walks. The Cubs pitching staff only walked 687 guys. Only the Padres allowed less hits per game than the Cubs staff. So, the Cubs gave up less hits than any other team in the NL except for the Padres, yet allowed more runs than any other team in the NL except Washington.

 

Hmmmm. Are you sure you got all of this walk stuff figured out, Dusty?

 

2006 Cubs pitching staff issued 687 walks while giving up the second least amount of hits and finished 15th in runs given up.

 

2006 Cubs hitters walked 395 times while accumulating the 6th highest hit total, yet finished 15th in runs scored.

 

Keep telling yourself that clogging bases is a bad thing, Dusty. Because I'm very glad you can apply your outrageously thought provoking theories to the enemy now!

[illiniguy]

For fun they should do a reality show were Billy Beane is forced to have Dusty Baker be his manager for a season. The interviews throughout would be priceless.

[BigbadB]

What's quite fascinating is that under Lou Piniella last year, the Cubs increased their walk totals offensively by 105 walks from '06, and only improved in that category from 16th to 15th in walks. But, even with that improvement, they went from 15th in the league in runs scored to 8th.

 

The Cubs pitching staff reduced their walk totals by 100 walks from '06, and went from 16th in the league in walks surrendered in '06 to 13th in '07, and went from 14th in runs allowed to 2nd in the league in runs allowed.

 

All in all, this was a tremendous improvement over the previous year and helped catapult a team from worst to first in the division standings. Granted, there were personnel changes that helped make that happen, but there is also a noticeable difference between the coaching stylings of Dusty and Lou, which also contributed to the improvement.

 

Walks do not clog bases. Walks create more run scoring opportunities, whether they be running scoring opportunities for your own team if you draw more walks, or run scoring opportunities for your opponents if you issue more walks.

 

For a major league manager to ignore the value of a walk is absolutely assinine, and provides further convincing proof that not everyone who actually has a major league management job possesses more knowledge than random posters on a message board simply because they have played the game.

[TheGrinch]

Sometimes, you get so caught up in on-base percentage that you're clogging up the bases."

 

Dusty knows what he speaks. Because in that awesome 2006 season, the Cubs finished 6th in the league in total hits in the NL, and finished 15th in total runs scored because the bases were always clogged by walks.

 

Let's ignore for a moment that Philadelphia (top run scoring team of 2007) had a lower batting average than the Cubs in 2007. The 149 run differential between Philly and the Cubs couldn't have ANYTHING to do with drawing walks, since Philly only drew 231 more walks than the Cubs did in 2007.

 

And to further prove Dusty knows what he speaks, let's look at the 2006 Cubs pitching staff, which clogged bases better than anyone with walks. The Cubs pitching staff only walked 687 guys. Only the Padres allowed less hits per game than the Cubs staff. So, the Cubs gave up less hits than any other team in the NL except for the Padres, yet allowed more runs than any other team in the NL except Washington.

 

Hmmmm. Are you sure you got all of this walk stuff figured out, Dusty?

 

2006 Cubs pitching staff issued 687 walks while giving up the second least amount of hits and finished 15th in runs given up.

 

2006 Cubs hitters walked 395 times while accumulating the 6th highest hit total, yet finished 15th in runs scored.

 

Keep telling yourself that clogging bases is a bad thing, Dusty. Because I'm very glad you can apply your outrageously thought provoking theories to the enemy now!

Those stats comparing the Phillies and the Cubs are completely and totally mind blowing. And as mind blowing as they are, you would have to assume that this has either never been presented to Dusty...or he is [expletive]/insane. It is one or the other. No other possible scenarios. None.

[TruffleShuffle]

i literally cannot wait for this season to start, and perhaps the biggest reason is to watch dusty run a team other than the cubs - one of our divisional opponents, no less - into the ground.

[TruffleShuffle]

Reds fans are not thrilled

 

at least it seems they are bracing for the impending train wreck that is dusty baker

 

my favorite quote from that threat, in response to "I like OBP and I understand its merits but at times I think it becomes a hinderance to hitters."

 

That's like saying the wheels on the car are a hindrance to the car moving forward.

[rocket]

that was the most frustrating thing about dusty. he always acknowledged that his pitchers giving up a lot of walks caused a lot of damage to his team, but he never made the connection that his hitters drawing more walks would lead to more runs scored.

[Derwood]

Reds manager Dusty Baker indicated on Monday that he'd likely keep Brandon Phillips in the cleanup spot this season.

"Brandon will probably hit third someday," Baker said. "But, right now, I need to him break up Junior and (Adam) Dunn." Ken Griffey Jr. always hits third whether he deserves to or not, suggesting that Phillips will clean up and Dunn's superior OBP will again land in the fifth spot. Baker could have gotten more creative given his lack of prototypical top-of-the-order guys, but that's not his style.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Reds fans are going to love this one....

 

When Baker was asked who would hit leadoff when Ryan Freel and Norris Hopper aren’t playing, he said: "I hope one or the other is in the game."

 

Link.

 

:grin:

[BigbadB]

Reds fans are going to love this one....

 

When Baker was asked who would hit leadoff when Ryan Freel and Norris Hopper aren’t playing, he said: "I hope one or the other is in the game."

 

Link.

 

:grin:

 

I'm a bit disappointed he didn't say "one or the other or BOTH". :(

[Yestheydo]

I Can't Stand Them Clogged Bases

 

(to the tune of "Friends In Low Places" by Garth Brooks

 

I’ll blame it on Adam Dunn

Cause that big boy can’t run

But he sure likes to take him a walk

Well I came into town

And I sat him right down

And I said, “Buddy, we need to talk”

“Now I know you been

Usin’ ‘plate discipline’

When you don’t get good pitches to hit

Well listen here dude

I’m in a free-swingin’ mood

So hack if you don’t want to sit…”

 

Cause I can’t stand them clogged bases

Where the big guys walk at such slow paces

Just swing and pray

Then get out the way

Now I’m not big on them fancy phrases

Such as “work the count” and, like, “plate patience”

Dude, I can’t stand

Them clogged bases

 

Well Dunn looked at me

And he said, “Oh I see”

Went over and picked up a bat

My jaw hit the floor

As he looked at ball four

And walked down to first, and just sat

So I said to Wayne

“Dude, this guy’s a pain

What you get for him I don’t care”

Well the Dodgers are nuts

Cause they took his fat butt

For the man of my dreams, Juan Pierre…..

 

Cause I can’t stand them clogged bases

I like pitchers knowing when they face us

We’ll swing away

All freaking day

Now you won’t see no more fourth places

Long as all my players are Willie Mayses

Dude, I can’t stand

Them cloooooggggged baaasessssss……

[Guest]

Reds manager Dusty Baker indicated on Monday that he'd likely keep Brandon Phillips in the cleanup spot this season.

"Brandon will probably hit third someday," Baker said. "But, right now, I need to him break up Junior and (Adam) Dunn." Ken Griffey Jr. always hits third whether he deserves to or not, suggesting that Phillips will clean up and Dunn's superior OBP will again land in the fifth spot. Baker could have gotten more creative given his lack of prototypical top-of-the-order guys, but that's not his style.

 

At least Dunn batting fifth all the time would be better than him getting 67 PA's and 16 starts batting sixth in the lineup like he did last year.

[Derwood]

at least they didn't hire Joe Torre:

 

Dodgers manager Joe Torre said he told Nomar Garciaparra that he'd have the inside track at winning the starting job at third base over Andy LaRoche.

Figures. "I talked to him the other day," Torre said. "I explained to him that being the veteran guy, he has the inside track as far as being the starting third baseman. But we will (start the season) with the best 25 (players) we can get." Torre's love of veterans also figures to be good news for Juan Pierre. The Dodgers have shot themselves in the foot a lot the last couple of years with their playing time decisions. Torre has his strengths, but breaking in youngsters isn't one of them.

[Lockes Eye Scar]

We've been waiting for this one... classic Dusty

 

Reds manager Dusty Baker has already decided he doesn't like Joey Votto's approach at the plate.

The approach that led to a .321/.360/.548 line and 17 RBI in 84 at-bats following his callup last season. "He needs to swing some more," Baker said. "I talked to him about that. Strikeouts aren't the only criteria. I'd like to see him more aggressive." Baker doesn't want Votto, Adam Dunn or anyone else taking called third strikes. "I really, really hate the called third strike," Baker said. "I hate that. You're guess and you ain't ready to hit." That Scott Hatteberg rarely strikes out makes Votto a particularly risky pick this year.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

We've been waiting for this one... classic Dusty

 

Reds manager Dusty Baker has already decided he doesn't like Joey Votto's approach at the plate.

The approach that led to a .321/.360/.548 line and 17 RBI in 84 at-bats following his callup last season. "He needs to swing some more," Baker said. "I talked to him about that. Strikeouts aren't the only criteria. I'd like to see him more aggressive." Baker doesn't want Votto, Adam Dunn or anyone else taking called third strikes. "I really, really hate the called third strike," Baker said. "I hate that. You're guess and you ain't ready to hit." That Scott Hatteberg rarely strikes out makes Votto a particularly risky pick this year.

outstanding!

[Roast]

We've been waiting for this one... classic Dusty

 

Reds manager Dusty Baker has already decided he doesn't like Joey Votto's approach at the plate.

The approach that led to a .321/.360/.548 line and 17 RBI in 84 at-bats following his callup last season. "He needs to swing some more," Baker said. "I talked to him about that. Strikeouts aren't the only criteria. I'd like to see him more aggressive." Baker doesn't want Votto, Adam Dunn or anyone else taking called third strikes. "I really, really hate the called third strike," Baker said. "I hate that. You're guess and you ain't ready to hit." That Scott Hatteberg rarely strikes out makes Votto a particularly risky pick this year.

=D> =D> =D> =D> =D>

:yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

 

I LOVE when I can see things coming a mile away but noone believes me. When I was down at BSU last weekend I was talking to one of my old highschool friends boyfriend, who is a big reds fan, and I told him that I guaranteed that Baker would ruin Votto by telling him to swing more and stop walking so much. He thought I was crazy.

 

Hahahahaha.

[daske17]

With all the investigation into how steroids and PEDs have potentially ruined baseball, why isn't Congress investigating Dusty's managing style?

 

He's doing more for destroying the careers of young ballplayers than roids or HGH.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

We've been waiting for this one... classic Dusty

 

Reds manager Dusty Baker has already decided he doesn't like Joey Votto's approach at the plate.

The approach that led to a .321/.360/.548 line and 17 RBI in 84 at-bats following his callup last season. "He needs to swing some more," Baker said. "I talked to him about that. Strikeouts aren't the only criteria. I'd like to see him more aggressive." Baker doesn't want Votto, Adam Dunn or anyone else taking called third strikes. "I really, really hate the called third strike," Baker said. "I hate that. You're guess and you ain't ready to hit." That Scott Hatteberg rarely strikes out makes Votto a particularly risky pick this year.

 

This is awesome. I can't wait until he starts Hatteberg over Votto for this reason. And then after Dunn looks at too many third strikes, he'll replace him with Patterson, because while Patterson might strike out, he won't go down looking.

[BigbadB]

Wow, a shocking turn of events.........

 

 

Not.

[Burtonbell]

We've been waiting for this one... classic Dusty

 

Reds manager Dusty Baker has already decided he doesn't like Joey Votto's approach at the plate.

The approach that led to a .321/.360/.548 line and 17 RBI in 84 at-bats following his callup last season. "He needs to swing some more," Baker said. "I talked to him about that. Strikeouts aren't the only criteria. I'd like to see him more aggressive." Baker doesn't want Votto, Adam Dunn or anyone else taking called third strikes. "I really, really hate the called third strike," Baker said. "I hate that. You're guess and you ain't ready to hit." That Scott Hatteberg rarely strikes out makes Votto a particularly risky pick this year.

 

This is awesome. I can't wait until he starts Hatteberg over Votto for this reason. And then after Dunn looks at too many third strikes, he'll replace him with Patterson, because while Patterson might strike out, he won't go down looking.

 

Theriot and Fuld for Dunn. Sounds fair right? I dont care who plays short. Put EPatt there. Will it matter?

[CubColtPacer]

We've been waiting for this one... classic Dusty

 

Reds manager Dusty Baker has already decided he doesn't like Joey Votto's approach at the plate.

The approach that led to a .321/.360/.548 line and 17 RBI in 84 at-bats following his callup last season. "He needs to swing some more," Baker said. "I talked to him about that. Strikeouts aren't the only criteria. I'd like to see him more aggressive." Baker doesn't want Votto, Adam Dunn or anyone else taking called third strikes. "I really, really hate the called third strike," Baker said. "I hate that. You're guess and you ain't ready to hit." That Scott Hatteberg rarely strikes out makes Votto a particularly risky pick this year.

 

This is awesome. I can't wait until he starts Hatteberg over Votto for this reason. And then after Dunn looks at too many third strikes, he'll replace him with Patterson, because while Patterson might strike out, he won't go down looking.

 

Theriot and Fuld for Dunn. Sounds fair right? I dont care who plays short. Put EPatt there. Will it matter?

 

It will considering you have no place to put Dunn! Let's just kill 2 birds with one stone: Dunn for SS :D

[Balsa]

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

 

Oh god, it's too good to be true. HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA!

[CubinNY]

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

 

Oh god, it's too good to be true. HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA!

What's really amazing to me is that someone could be in baseball for their entire adult life and not understand a fundamental principle of the game.