The Reds Make Dusty Baker's Dismissal Official

Reds' Director of Media Relations announced that the Reds will replace Dusty Baker as manager of the team.

Baker will collect $3.5 million due him on his contract.

http://www.wiedemannbeer.com/

"This is a very difficult decision to make," general manager Walt Jocketty said in a press release.  "Dusty played an important role in the recent success of this organization and we thank him for his contributions during his time here.  We feel a change is necessary, however, if we are to continue to move forward."

The pressure is now on Walt Jocketty.

Baker and Jocketty disagreed on several points as most managers and general managers do.

Baker wanted to keep Chapman as closer.  Jocketty wanted the left-hander to move to the starting rotation.

Jocketty as part of the Chapman move, wanted to take Mike Leake out of the rotation.  Baker fought and won that battle too.  Leake had his best professional season.

Baker lobbied to bring Billy Hamilton to the major leagues this past September.  Jocketty didn't want to start the clock on Hamilton's arbitration eligibility.  Hal McCoy, Joe Kay and this blog reported Baker's statement that he fought to bring Hamilton to the big leagues.  Jocketty was upset about the revelation.