The Replacements: A Dusty Baker Story
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by user Enybo
During a recent press conference Monday night in Cleveland, Dusty Baker was responding to questions about his future with the Chicago Cubs and the possibility that he may not return. "Why, are you guys going to miss me?" he asked. In unison, all who were present responded “NO!” Ok, I fib, that didn’t really happen, that is about everyone responding with a resounding no, though I am sure some people were definitely thinking it. I know I certainly am.
After compiling a 106-125 record the last two seasons it is time to move out of the toothpick era and into a new age of uncertainty. After leading the Cubs to within 5 outs of their first World Series victory in 58 years in 2003, Baker has failed to manage this club back into the post-season. After Derrek Lee went down early in the 2006 season, Dusty has not found a way to win even 20 games since Derek Lee’s injury, compiling a 18-37 record. To put that in perspective, that’s the same record as the Royals in that time span.
Cub fans everywhere fell in love him with quickly (including this writer) but the honeymoon did not last long. After over-working the heart of the team, Kerry Wood and Mark Prior spent countless stints on the DL over the next 3 years. It is nothing but a miracle that Carlos Zambrano has only landed on the DL once, and that was due to using the computer a little too much, I don’t think Baker had anything to do with that.
Normally I wouldn’t blame a coach for the players on the team, but before coming to Chicago, Baker was touted as a player’s coach. He was praised as a coach that would attract free agents from all over the world, suck them in like a tractor beam, not even the cream of the crop would be able to resist his charm. Unfortunately, the only ones who couldn’t resist were the following: Shawn Estes, Mike Remlinger, Todd Walker, LaTroy Hawkins, Kent Mercker, Greg Maddux, who was great at one time but is undeniably past his prime, Jeromy Burnitz, Glendon Rusch, Neifi Perez, and Jacque Jones just to name a few. None of these guys are really screaming out All-Star.
So it is time to for Mr. Baker to go. You have over stayed your welcome, but the Tribune Co. will probably give you some respect and allow you to leave on your terms instead of kicking you out on your butt during the season. You at least deserve that, after all Cub fans finally got to experience what it was like to win a postseason series during your tenure. And with that I bid you farewell. But I would not do so without offering up a few suggestions for your replacement, that is after all the point of my writing this article, that and maybe Jim Hendry will see it and hire me on as a consultant. I am just kidding . . . .no I am not.
First up and a very obvious choice is Lou Pinella. He has a long and successful track record as a player and a coach. The once R.O.Y and two-time manger of the year would be a great fit for the Cubs. Having won the World Series with Cincinnati Reds and being the only other coach in the history of the MLB to tie the Cubs 1906 record of 116 victories in a season, Sweet Lou would bring in an “all-or-nothing” attitude. Known for his tirades on the field and holding the record for most ejections by a manager, it would be a nice kick in the ass for an organization that has allowed losing for so many years.
Next on my ballot is Bob Brenly. The current voice of WGN broadcast has been in the booth for the Cubs since the 2005 season. After watching this team and analyzing them over the past two years, I am sure Bob would have a more than a few good opinions on fixing this sinking ship. He knows the team well, and I am sure the Tribune Co must trust him since they have not forced his resignation yet, a la Steve Stone. Brenly also carries with him a track record for success having won the World Series with Arizona in 2002 on the heels of Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling. Plus, it would get him out of the booth where he has been dreadful to listen to.
And the list continues with Bobby Valentine. If they could pry him away from the Japanese would they want to? Last year he coached the Chiba Lotte Marines to the Japan Series championship and it was only 6 years ago when he took the Mets to the World Series against the Yankees. Valentine is another manager with a hot temper. His fiery attitude however, might be just what the “Lovable Losers” need. Bobby V would probably welcome the opportunity to coach back in the states, but how much would it cost for the Cubs for the Marines to let him go.
Another option if they could convince him to leave his current team is Joe Girardi. Highly regarded as a great baseball mind, the former catcher and current Florida Marlins coach has always been a fan favorite with Cubs. The Illinois native would be welcomed with open arms if he decides to return to Chicago in managerial position, but I doubt he would leave his current position. Coaching one of the major’s brightest young stars in Miguel Cabrera along with a plethora of other future All-Stars it would be hard to convince him to leave. The Marlins will be back in contention in no time, you can bet the farm on that, literally since they may be making a move to Las Vegas in the near future.
Speaking of fan favorites, how about one of these former Cubs: Mark Grace, Ryne Sandberg, Billy Williams. Mark Grace was loved by all in Chicago and currently works as a color commentator for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He has stressed his desire to coach in the big leagues but a return to Chicago would be unlikely seeing as how he and the Trib parted on bad terms in 2001. Ryne Sandberg currently works as a spring training instructor but he might need a little more seasoning in coaching before he jumps into the spot light. Billy Williams is currently a special assistant to the Andy MacPhail. The biggest knock on him though is his age. He just celebrated his 68th birthday on June 15th. That didn’t stop Jack McKeon though from winning a World Series at 73 with Marlins in 2003.
And finally, I offer up [[Jerry Manuel]. The former Chicago White Sox manager is currently the bench coach for Willie Randolph and NL leading New York Mets. He coached the South Siders for 6 years between 98 and 03 and had a winning record in his last 4 years. He won the AL Central in 2000 and earned Manager of the Year for it, but lost in the first round of the playoffs. If the Cubs hired him, could he be the next Terry Francona? A failed coach the first time around only to get re-hired by another team and win the Series? One can hope right?
That’s it for now fellow readers. Let me hear your thoughts and comments on who should be the next coach of the Chicago Cubs.
Date
Wed 06/21/06, 4:18 am EST
