Dusty Will Be Back Long Term

I have been working with Dusty Baker off and on for a long time.  Even when he didn't know me very well, he always answered my questions as a visiting manager first with San Francisco, then with the Chicago Cubs.

Baker is a man that always speaks his mind.  While he recognizes that he can't always be totally open, he will not lie to you.  He treats everyone with respect.

I believe that is why this group of players responded so well to him.  As someone who has had his share of bad bosses in his work life, I can tell you how much easier it is to work when a manager will stick with you when you struggle.  When fans wanted the slumper of the day, be it Drew Stubbs, Jay Bruce, Nick Masset or Francisco Cordero, sent to baseball Siberia, Baker showed his faith in them.

People criticized the Reds for trading for often injured, Scott Rolen, it was Baker than planned rest for him so that he could make a huge contribution this season.  He fought for Mike Leake to make the team over Travis Wood.  It would have been easier for the team to keep Travis Wood because he already had a roster spot but Baker knew Leake would contribute.

When the organization decided to shut Leake down, Leake was able to accept it because Baker was open with him.  He stressed to the pitcher that his contributions were important and that he is going to travel with them to be a part of their postseason.

There are times when he doesn't go by the manager's "book" of strategy.  He always has a reason for it and will explain it if he can.

This organization is doing the right things.  Walt Jocketty is doing a good job filling holes but let's not forget that previous GM's Dan O'Brian and Wayne Krivsky contributed to building the Reds minor league system.