Dusty Baker Critics Must Be Happy

Dusty Baker, who is celebrebrating his 62nd birthday, has grown tired of defending his lineup on a daily basis.  Cynics say now that Baker is 62, he should retire. 

Although, the questions are asked by the media with the purpose of explaining the thought process to the public,  Baker has heard the constant second guessing.  He is very patient and very open and honest with discussions but he has his limit.

Everybody chimes in.  Heisey should be playing.  Lewis should be playing.  Gomes should be playing was the cry two years ago, when Gomes was tearing it up on a part time basis.  Then when Gomes was no longer spotted to give him favorable match ups, his numbers slid.  Those same people want Gomes out now.

Today, in LA, all three are in the lineup.  This is the last day of the Reds toughest stretch, 31 games in 32 days. Drew Stubbs and Jay Bruce are getting the day off.  With an off day tomorrow, that will give them two days to recharge the batteries.  We all know how a weekend is welcome and most of us have jobs that aren't as physically demanding as pro sports.

Baker has spent two thirds of his life in professional baseball.  The fan/critic has spent approximately zero days, yet as someone said," There are two things that every man thinks he can do better than any other man.  One is grill steaks.  The other is manage a baseball team."

Players like playing for Baker.  He has been where they are and doesn't forget what it was like.  He expects  performance but knows there are reasons for failure, be it fatigue, better execution by opponents, bumps and bruises or pure bad luck. 

People forget that no matter how much money players are paid, the body has its limits.  Baker will put the best team he can on the field and he shows faith in players, knowing that struggles are inevitable.