Fire Dusty Baker!

[Optics]

Dusty does some weird things with the pen. That's really his only issue. I like how he's been willing to juggle the lineup and play more bench guys, and he has the clubhouse in order, but games in October are often decided by that one big decision or lack of decision by the Manager and that's where Dusty could be a liability compared to a Maddon or Bochy.

[Smithian]

I think Dusty Baker will be fine come playoff time. As far as bullpen, I think Maddux has a very strong level of control. That makes me comfortable.

[rileyn]

I have been a Dusty fan this year and I give him alot of credit for the success so far this season.  However, I also think he is responsible for this funk we are currently in.  He started moaning about the 20 games in 20 days stretch before it even started.  It's like a self fulfilling prophecy.  He has convinced the team that they are tired and he has enabled them to use that as an excuse.  If you are tired, you are tired.  Fine.  But don't tell us you are going to be tired before you are even tired.  Heck, just 2 weeks ago we had a Monday and Thursday off.  It sucked and I never heard anybody going on about how fresh we are.

[Slateman]

Dusty is fine. His weakness is bullpen management throughout the season. We will see how it is in the playoffs, but I would expect it to be different.

[NatsAllThe Way]

Dusty needs to flip some tables in the clubhouse.  He's woefully under-represented in the table-flipping category.

[whytev]

I have been a Dusty fan this year and I give him alot of credit for the success so far this season.  However, I also think he is responsible for this funk we are currently in.  He started moaning about the 20 games in 20 days stretch before it even started.  It's like a self fulfilling prophecy.  He has convinced the team that they are tired and he has enabled them to use that as an excuse.  If you are tired, you are tired.  Fine.  But don't tell us you are going to be tired before you are even tired.  Heck, just 2 weeks ago we had a Monday and Thursday off.  It sucked and I never heard anybody going on about how fresh we are.

He didn't moan; he shared his strategy. He mentioned pushing Roark back an extra day for Lopez despite days off because it was the last chance for extra rest until September. That isn't moaning, it's just being honest.

[rileyn]

He didn't moan; he shared his strategy. He mentioned pushing Roark back an extra day for Lopez despite days off because it was the last chance for extra rest until September. That isn't moaning, it's just being honest.

Nah, he gave them a chance to let up.  Roark showed no signs of fatigue or ineffectiveness until last night.  Is that also a strategy?  Even if what you say is true, Dusty now has to answer questions about this "grueling stretch" before and after every game.  And then the players get asked about how they are coping with having to play baseball every day.  Egads.

[whytev]

Nah, he gave them a chance to let up.  Roark showed no signs of fatigue or ineffectiveness until last night.  Is that also a strategy?  Even if what you say is true, Dusty now has to answer questions about this "grueling stretch" before and after every game.  And then the players get asked about how they are coping with having to play baseball every day.  Egads.

The beat reporters were looking ahead to this stretch. F.P. has brought it up numerous times. Everyone knows it's there, just like that one brutal road trip in (May?). You want Dusty to whistle and pretend reality isn't real?

They aren't letting up because he lowered expectations. They're struggling a little because of the pitching rotation being 40% rookies and 20% Gio. That puts pressure on Max and Roark to go long and on the bullpen to never falter and waste innings. It's snowballing. This will be fine. Dusty is keeping things in perspective.

[whytev]

Extend Dusty Baker!

[madj55]

Extend Dusty Baker!

[HattoriHanzo]

I just hope dusty doesn't blow a 2 game series lead in the playoffs like he did with the giants, cubs, and the reds.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

I just hope dusty doesn't blow a 2 game series lead in the playoffs like he did with the giants, cubs, and the reds.

Back in the home country, there used to be a saying about Terry Francona's managing style - regular season Tito or playoff Tito?  He was like Baker in the regular season - no panic, long view, giving regulars their chance to get right, etc...  But he seemed to flip a switch late in the season and in the playoffs.  Classic was swapping in Ellsbury for Coco Crisp in 2007, but he was also flexible in his rotation in the playoffs, would bring in Foulke for more than an inning, do lots of defensive substitutions, etc...  I'm hoping Dusty is in the mode of figuring out what works now and can step up late.

[Natsinpwc]

Back in the home country, there used to be a saying about Terry Francona's managing style - regular season Tito or playoff Tito?  He was like Baker in the regular season - no panic, long view, giving regulars their chance to get right, etc...  But he seemed to flip a switch late in the season and in the playoffs.  Classic was swapping in Ellsbury for Coco Crisp in 2007, but he was also flexible in his rotation in the playoffs, would bring in Foulke for more than an inning, do lots of defensive substitutions, etc...  I'm hoping Dusty is in the mode of figuring out what works now and can step up late.

Like the anti Gene Mauch.

[monkeyhit]

Six months in and the pen is still a dog's breakfast. Almost anyone could end up there in the playoffs. He's still experimenting and trying to find out who is going to be reliable. Not sure what he is doing with Melancon. I liked the way he used Burnett and Treinen last night, but he won't have 13 arms to choose from i October.

[varoadking]

Six months in and the pen is still a dog's breakfast. Almost anyone could end up there in the playoffs. He's still experimenting and trying to find out who is going to be reliable. Not sure what he is doing with Melancon. I liked the way he used Burnett and Treinen last night, but he won't have 13 arms to choose from i October.

Baker won't need 13 arms in the playoffs...even if he uses all that he has every day, it's only gonna be a 3 game series, so they should all be able to handle that...

[Optics]

You don't need to be a genius to win in October. Last year's World Series was managed by Ned Yost and Terry Collins. Dusty is at least as capable as those two.

[aspenbubba]

I texted a friend last nite that watches most of the games and who will share some games with me next year that Dusty was managing the game last night like it was a play-off game . I liked all the moves except for Melancons' appearance. He is tired and was hit hard the night before. Don't burn him out.
I wonder if they have any intention of signing him next year.

[WhiteWhale]

Melancon doesn't like to get hot and not pitch. That's what is behind some of his uses

[aspenbubba]

Melancon doesn't like to get hot and not pitch. That's what is behind some of his uses

Then don't warm him up

[varoadking]

Then don't warm him up

He's not available tonight...

[tomterp]

Then don't warm him up

Exactly.  We were up 6-2 when Dusty got him up Monday.  Then 9-6 last night.  He really could have rested Monday.

[Ray D]

Matt Williams was the one cited for over-warming pitchers.  I hope Dusty doesn't take up that behavior.

[DPMOmaha]

Then don't warm him up

There have been a handful of times where he's gotten up with a one or two run lead and the Nats tack on a few to remove the save possibility and they've still brought him in.

[HattoriHanzo]

Back in the home country, there used to be a saying about Terry Francona's managing style - regular season Tito or playoff Tito?  He was like Baker in the regular season - no panic, long view, giving regulars their chance to get right, etc...  But he seemed to flip a switch late in the season and in the playoffs.  Classic was swapping in Ellsbury for Coco Crisp in 2007, but he was also flexible in his rotation in the playoffs, would bring in Foulke for more than an inning, do lots of defensive substitutions, etc...  I'm hoping Dusty is in the mode of figuring out what works now and can step up late.

Francona has 2 rings. Dusty has 3 colossal playoff failures on his resume. Blowing 3 different series each with a 2 game advantage is a cause for concern. Maddux and Spier can only give Dusty an opinion. Dusty always goes with his gut and his playoff gut has proven to be brutal.

[Truconfidence]

Exactly.  We were up 6-2 when Dusty got him up Monday.  Then 9-6 last night.  He really could have rested Monday.

on monday he hasnt pitched for 2 days. so i understand that but yes bullpen guys hate warming up and not coming in. its the same effect as if they pitched. Especially a guy like Kelley. i heard an interview where he said that exactly.