Tony La Russa didn't make the trip with shingles that affected his face and right eye. Joe Pettini will guide the Cardinals in this early but important series.
"I won't say its mandatory but its important that we play well," Dusty Baker said. "I don't think in terms of we have to show ourselves that we can beat the Cardinals. It doesn't matter who beats who. It only matter who is ahead at the end."
The Reds lost 12 of the 18 games played between the two teams last season but finished five games ahead in the standings.
"It doesn't matter what happened last year. You have to go play now," Baker said.
Phillips was badgered by a TV reporter, who tried to get Phillips to say something but he refused.
After the same question was rephrased three times, Phillips said, "You want me to say its a big series, Jim Day."
There was also bad blood between the teams last year ignited by comments from Reds secondbaseman, Brandon Phillips, who called the Cardinals and La Russa," whiny little bitches."
There was an on field fight in a September series that the Cardinals swept and Baker was asked if there would be a continuation. Phillips and Yadier Molina got into a shouting match in the bottom of the first inning. There was a fight and the Reds starter for Saturday's game, Johnny Cueto was backed up against the screen behing home plate and kicked former Red, Jason LaRue in the head. Phillips, Molina, La Russa and Baker recieved two game suspensions. Cueto was suspended seven games.
"I don't know," Baker said. "I hope not. You just have to play ball. Just play. I hope our team will do that. I think their team will too."
Baker was asked about the Cardinals in the absence of La Russa. Will St. Louis be managed any differently?
Do you know Pettini's tendancies?
"He hasn't been around long enough to find tendencies," Baker said. "He's been there what two games? I'm sure he knows more about what I'm going to do. I more worried about how my team plays than managing against someone."
Cincinnati Sports News and Commentary
About Me
- Gary Schatz
- I am a freelance writer. I've covered the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals and others since 1992. I have a background in sales as well. I've sold consumer electronics, advertising and consumer package goods for companies ranging from the now defunct Circuit City to Procter&Gamble. I have worked as a stats operator for Xavier University, the University of Cincinnati, the College of Mount St. Joe and Colerain High School.
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