Eric Karros Strategizes and Stands Up When He's Wrong

I had the chance to talk to Eric Karros while covering the Reds home games for SportsTicker and the Associated Press.

Karros was always honest and insightful.  He gave well thought out answers that added to the game story rather than the safe and boring baseball cliches.  What fans really want to read is the truth.  They really want to know the how and why of what happens.  We may not like the explanation but if it is truthful, we gain knowledge of the game.

Dusty Baker is like this as well.  Truthfull even if it means a stream of criticism.  Both Karros and Baker are their own men.  They stick to their principles and don't try to just "go along to get along". 

It is very easy to be critical of baseball strategy.  The game looks much easier than it really is when you are up high or have a TV angle.  Constantly, while watching TV in a public place, I hear fans say, "how can he swing at that pitch?"  When you get the opportunity to stand behind a batting cage you see why.  The pitch moves in the last five feet when a pitcher makes a good pitch, which isn't easy to do either.   I have watched pitches that looked like a strike, dart and dive out of the strike zone.

In the game between the Reds and Giants Saturday afternoon, Karros commented on two situations before the play.  The broadcaster explained his reasoning for Brandon Phillips bunting runners along in a first and second situation.  Baker did have Phillips bunting.  The bunt wasn't executed as well as hoped and pitcher Tim Lincecum got the force at third base.  The failed strategy didn't deter the Reds from scoring so fans would not second guess but it points out that the manager's strategy does not always work.

In the same situation later in the game, Karros, repeated his reasoning.  This time Phillips doubled to score two runs.

Karros tipped his cap to Baker, "That's why I'm sitting up here and Baker is a three-time Manager of the Year."