Baker Preserving his Players

[RedsManRick]

A surprisingly coherent article by Fay on Dusty's approach to managing playing time.

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/reds/2012/08/08/baker-trying-to-preserve-players-and-win/

While Dusty's lineups on a given night will drive us crazy, particularly his insistence of keeping positions in the same spot and undervaluing of OBP (not unrelated issues...), it was really nice to get some insight from him here.

[cincrazy]

Good article. Rick, I feel like since Dusty's been hired, you've developed more of a respect for him as a manager. Is that a fair thing for me to say? If I recall correctly you were pretty upset with the hiring due to his time in Chicago. How do you think Dusty's done in Cincy so far? I'd say better than average. Some things drive me mad, but he does a great job managing the clubhouse, keeping the guys fresh, and with the bullpen IMO.

[reds44]

Coming into this season, Baker’s teams are 249-203 (.551) in September. His five playoffs team are a combined 82-50 (.621). He’s only had a losing record only four times in September in the last 13 seasons.
Wow.

[OldXOhio]

He’s only had a losing record only four times in September in the last 13 seasons.

One being September 2010

[lollipopcurve]

Article addresses position players only. I'm much more concerned about the pitchers.

[westofyou]

Again the human aspect of the game is pushed into the reality realm

[Kc61]

Explains his resting of Ludwick frequently.

[Always Red]

1975 and 1976, the "Great Eight" started together in only 88 out of a possible 324 games. In those 88 games, they went 69-19.

I think Dusty is on to something. ;)

[westofyou]

Explains his resting of Ludwick frequently.

Marty said (last night) that Ludwick was "beat up"

[bucksfan2]

Marty said (last night) that Ludwick was "beat up"

Who isn't beat up at this point in the season?

[cincrazy]

Who isn't beat up at this point in the season?

But Ludwick is 34 with a history of injuries. There are different stages of beat up. A beat up Frazier isn't the same as a beat up Ludwick or Rolen.

[westofyou]

Who isn't beat up at this point in the season?
Apparently everyone who should start every game if you ever read a game thread on RZ.

As a note he didn't stress who was more beat up or what was beating him up.

[Chip R]

Who isn't beat up at this point in the season?

Chuck Norris.

[bucksfan2]

But Ludwick is 34 with a history of injuries. There are different stages of beat up. A beat up Frazier isn't the same as a beat up Ludwick or Rolen.

Marty and Fay were talking about how the rookies are hitting a wall right now.

I don't have an issue with Ludwick getting more and more rest. I also think Votto being out for a month may be a blessing in disguise because he will be fresh(er) as the season drags on.

[MikeS21]

1975 and 1976, the "Great Eight" started together in only 88 out of a possible 324 games. In those 88 games, they went 69-19.

I think Dusty is on to something. ;)
This is a valid point. As good as the starting eight were, guys like Bill Plummer, Darrel Chaney, Doug Flynn, and Dan Driessan still got a lot of playing time. Driessan racked up over 300 innings in the OF in those two years alone.

[gonelong]

Apparently everyone who should start every game if you ever read a game thread on RZ.

As a note he didn't stress who was more beat up or what was beating him up.

You would think that some folks might have noticed is been a bit warm the last few months in these parts.

GL

[vic715]

I agree on giving guys a rest but sitting four regulars in the same game and a three game losing streak to boot is not a good idea in my opinion.Having Cairo, Valdez, and Navarro on the field at the same time in a close game is scarry,even though Navarro homered his shoddy defense was costly.Cairo's AB in the 7th with the bases loaded was a disaster when he fouled out on the first pitch with the bases loaded and one out.

[919191]

Jim Coombs never needed preserving.

[I(heart)Freel]

By contrast, I wonder how the Pirates are holding up. They seem a little deeper since the deadline but I don't see much rest for their big guys happening.

Will be interesting to see if the two approaches result in two different Septembers.

[Cooper]

Just reported by weather channel that July was the hottest month ever for continental usa. I wonder if that will come into play.

[CySeymour]

On the flip side, Votto will be well rested.

[Tony Cloninger]

Just reported by weather channel that July was the hottest month ever for continental usa. I wonder if that will come into play.

Somewhere......Al Gore i smiling and saying "Yeah, that's all me baby."

[REDREAD]

I agree on giving guys a rest but sitting four regulars in the same game and a three game losing streak to boot is not a good idea in my opinion.Having Cairo, Valdez, and Navarro on the field at the same time in a close game is scarry,even though Navarro homered his shoddy defense was costly.Cairo's AB in the 7th with the bases loaded was a disaster when he fouled out on the first pitch with the bases loaded and one out.

Yes, that was a bit frustrating.
I understand players need rest, but I hope they are all rested well enough now to kick some Cubs booty.

Not complaining about Dusty, he had a pretty decent lead in the standings.. but after a 4 game losing streak, I'd like to see the team get back on track.
Again, not saying Dusty or the Reds suck, was just frustrating to see that lineup yesterday, even though I can understand the logic.

[Vottomatic]

Somewhere......Al Gore i smiling and saying "Yeah, that's all me baby."

We wouldn't even know about Global Warming if Al hadn't invented the internet to tell us about it. :laugh: :lol: :p