Dusty Baker

[Captain Hook]

I've noticed that RZ hasn't had much discussion regarding the Reds skipper this offseason.This is the last year Dusty is under contract and considering that the Reds team he'll have control of this year is likely the best he's had on paper here in Cincinnati it's either playoffs or bust for our coach.I have little doubt that that's the case and even if the Reds do make the playoffs but fall flat on their faces it could be enough for Walt and Bob to decide to move on.It's even possible that if the team struggles the first few months that Dusty is replaced.So what do you guys think?

[reds1869]

The other factor is that Dusty is no spring chicken. If the Reds lose, he may hang it up (voluntarily or not). If the Reds win, he may hang it up. Either way I think there is a chance he won't be back in 2013. My feelings about his game management aside, I really like Dusty as a man and will be kind of sad when he is no longer here, even though I'll probably have heartburn 162 fewer times per season.

[mth123]

Add that the Reds seem to be grooming Bell and won't be able to keep him in AAA forever.

It would be a decent budgetary move as well. I'm guessing Dusty will want even more money to return. A first year guy like Bell will probably work cheap to start. Saving $3 to $5 Million in the Manager's spot might be part of the plan. If you use the minor league system to groom cheaper replacements on the field, why not in the Manager's spot as well when an up and comer is on the verge and the current guy is expensive and getting long in the tooth?

[Captain Hook]

The other factor is that Dusty is no spring chicken. If the Reds lose, he may hang it up (voluntarily or not). If the Reds win, he may hang it up. Either way I think there is a chance he won't be back in 2013. My feelings about his game management aside, I really like Dusty as a man and will be kind of sad when he is no longer here, even though I'll probably have heartburn 162 fewer times per season.

I can't see that happening but you never know.Something outside of baseball could happen but if Dusty and the Reds win big this year he'll be back imo.

[AtomicDumpling]

All the offseason additions have Reds Nation predicting a playoff berth. Expectations have been raised. If the Reds disappoint the fans and fail to make the playoffs the fans are going to call for Dusty's head to roll.

[defender]

I like Dusty and hope he gets it done, but I don't think there will be a huge extension. He already is one of the highest paid managers and managers rarely get more than 3 years.

I would assume a modest raise and a 2 year deal, or a bigger raise for a one year deal.

[oneupper]

I voted that the REDS fail to make the PO and Dusty is fired although technically they wouldn't have to fire him, simply not renew his contract.

[Joseph]

I'm in the camp that they might make the PO but Dusty won't be back.

[757690]

Add that the Reds seem to be grooming Bell and won't be able to keep him in AAA forever.

It would be a decent budgetary move as well. I'm guessing Dusty will want even more money to return. A first year guy like Bell will probably work cheap to start. Saving $3 to $5 Million in the Manager's spot might be part of the plan. If you use the minor league system to groom cheaper replacements on the field, why not in the Manager's spot as well when an up and comer is on the verge and the current guy is expensive and getting long in the tooth?

My guess is the plan is to have Bell in AAA long enough for the talent from Dayton last year make it to AAA, so they can all come up around the same time and give Bell some experience. So a two year extension for Dusty would make sense, imo.

For the record, I voted Dusty gets the job done, but that just means they make the playoffs, can't hold the manager responsible for how far they go. I don't think he'd get a huge extension, but longer than a year.

[redsmetz]

I like Dusty and hope he gets it done, but I don't think there will be a huge extension. He already is one of the highest paid managers and managers rarely get more than 3 years.

I would assume a modest raise and a 2 year deal, or a bigger raise for a one year deal.

My only quibble with the 1st choice was that it was the only extension option. I don't believe it will be "huge". I think Dusty's nearing retirement in a couple of years.

[Vottomatic]

I like him as a person and a father figure, but I think his managing stinks.

[WebScorpion]

Where's the option for "The Reds win the 2012 World Series and Dusty is fired anyway!" ??

Best of both worlds! Having our cake and eating it too! We can dream can't we?

[WMR]

I would love to bring in someone else and put those millions on the field instead of in Dusty's pocket.

[remdog]

Sacramento is fairly nice in the summer and I think Dusty should go there and BBQ and, finally, the toothpicks and wrist bans will be worth something.

Rem

[fearofpopvol1]

If the Reds don't make the playoffs this year with all the money and acquisitions made, Dusty will be fired and I don't have any doubts about that.