I agree that Baker has a history of playing the veteran over the less experienced player at times. There is little doubt about that, but he does so because he believes, rightly or wrongly, that playing the more experienced player that day gives his team the best chance to win. However, based on the above quote, he seems convinced that playing Cedeno over his more experienced options gives this Cubs team the best chance to win. So, whereas there is evidence to suggest that Baker overvalues experience when handing out playing time, his decisions aren't based on a hatred of or bias against rookies as much as they are based on which player gives his team the best chance to win that day. And isn't that what all managers of contending teams should be basing their decisions on? While I agree he deserves credit for letting Ronny and Murton play. He's not what I'd call a good manager at putting the best team out there to win, LAST year. He's put the RIGHT line-ups in so far, this year. But I'd hardly call Corey-Neifi or Neifi-Macias as a #1,2 the "best" chance to win when you had guys like Murton, Cedeno, Walker, AND Hairston available. .