Baker Says the Best Is Yet to Come

The first half of the season is in the book and the Reds lead the National League Central Division by one game.

When the schedule came out, the just completed road trip was seen as a huge obstacle.

Cincinnati was on the road for four games in Chicago, three in New York and four against the two-time National League Champion, Philadelphia Phillies.

"I don't think I've ever played the first half of a month gone without a home game,"  Baker said.  "This month is half gone and we haven't played one home game."

The Reds lost all four in Philadelphia three in extra innings, including a 1-0 11 inning loss followed by a 1-0 loss on Sunday.

The Reds pitching was outstanding but they were up against a couple of Cy Young Winners in Roy Halladay and Cole Hammels.  They were also shutout in 103 degree heat by Johan Santana on the way to Phillie.  The Reds hitters were gassed.  Although the Reds didn't score for the last 21 innings of the first half, the pitchers held a good Philadelphia offense to two runs in the same span, including a near perfect game by rookie, Travis Wood.

"We had the heat and traveling and four straight day games.  Sure man we would have loved to win a couple of those games (in Philadelphia), we were in position to win.  It's behind us now.  We have to look forward."

The Reds still held the lead over the Cardinals in spite of the sweep.

"We have to stay healthy and we have to pitch.  We need to continue to play good defense and get some clutch hits.  We've been pretty good at it but you saw in the last few games that we had runners out there but we have to find a way to get them in," Baker said.

"At this point just play boys," Baker continued.  "Our best days are still ahead of us.  We have a lot of players who haven't been in this position before.  Getting Edinson (Volquez) back is like making a major trade.  We have to lean on each other.  It's no longer veterans and kids at this point.  I remember in '74 with the Dodgers.  I wasn't there but I talked to Davey Lopes.  He said it was the young players who carried them down the stretch."

The Reds are looking for heroes, no matter how old or established they are.

"There are going to be some unlikely heroes here.  It is getting down to hero time.  There is territory here that these guys have never been in before.  Once you've been in it, you are better in the future.  I remember when the Braves were starting there run.  Even though I was with they Giants, I rooted for the Dodgers to win (1991) because I knew once those guys got the taste in their mouth they would be tough for a long time."
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