Mets Manager Candidate: Dusty Baker

Dusty Baker

Current Position: Special Adviser to the CEO, San Francisco Giants

Age: 6/15/1949 (70)

Managerial Experience: 1993-2002 San Francisco Giants, 2003-2006 Chicago Cubs, 2008-2013 Cincinnati Reds, 2016-2017 Washington Nationals

According to Kevin Kernan of the New York Post, Dusty Baker‘s name is being thrown around in the conversation of the next Mets’ manager.

Baker, 70, is a baseball lifer who most recently managed the Washington Nationals. Prior to that, Baker had managed the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds. Baker has managed in the postseason on nine separate occasions, one of them yielding the 2002 National League Pennant.

Back in his playing days, Baker was a solid player. Although he only made two All-Star teams, he finished with 242 career home runs, finished as high as fourth in MVP voting. Baker first took a major league field in 1968 with the Braves as a rookie outfielder, played 18 seasons in which he amassed 1,981 hits, 137 stolen bases, 1,031 RBIs, and a career .779 OPS.

Baker is a vault full of baseball knowledge from all aspects of his life in the game. From being teammates with Hank Aaron for eight seasons, to a managerial career that is looking to enter its third decade, to a short-lived career in baseball television at ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut, Dusty has experience in almost every aspect of the game.

Baker is widely regarded as a player’s manager, who is able to walk the fine line of forming personal relationships with his players while still commanding respect that comes with the role of manager. Baker’s desire to return to the dugout has been made very public, with him saying on multiple accounts that he wishes to manage again soon and return to the ballpark.

Being a seasoned pro, Dusty has had to deal with the media for over 25 years, and will be no stranger to big market media. He has managed in the postseason nine times, as was previously mentioned. Working in markets such as Chicago, Washington D.C. and San Francisco, the third, sixth and eighth largest markets in the United States respectively, Dusty would be no stranger to pressure from the media and constant scrutiny.

With a reputation of being strong with the media, Baker’s name should automatically be mentioned in the Mets’ managerial search. After all, the last two managers to tenures in Queens of at least five seasons handled the media very well (see Collins and Valentine). While the difference between the markets in which Baker has managed and New York is substantial, is certainly seems to be a task Baker is up to.

With his 1,943 career wins, which is good for 15th best of all time, Baker is on the edge of being a Hall of Fame manager, and one more run with the right club could push him over the top.

What They Say

Jayson Werth via FanCred “One thing about Dusty, he does a lot for chemistry. He does a lot inside the clubhouse that people don’t see. It’s tough, you win that many games and you win two divisions, because you don’t get through first round of the playoffs, that’s tough.”

Mike Rizzo after 2017 NLDS Game 5: “Dusty Baker conducted himself with class and dignity, won 95 and 97 games here with the Washington Nationals, and is a Hall of Fame-type of manager”

Giants Owner Laurence M. Baer: “In addition to being one of the most beloved Giants alumni, Dusty brings a wealth of expertise, knowledge and experience to this position, and I know his contributions will be felt far and wide throughout our organization.”

Recommendation

One of Mickey Callaway’s biggest strengths was his ability to keep the clubhouse positive, aside from one issue, and keep his time in belief that they had a shot. Dusty Baker’s reputation as a player’s manager stems from a history of success on the field and in the dugout. Baker is able to manage the position of manager which demands respect from all 25 in the locker room, while connecting with players on a personal scale and keeping moral high.

Some hesitation with Baker comes with his age, which is understandable. The current trend in sports is to go with the younger, more analytically  savvy coach and try to be ahead of the curve (see Rocco Baldelli, Nick Nurse and Sean McVay). Baker has been able to adjust in a role that seems to be getting younger and younger, as he gets older. Baker’s 192 wins in 2016 and 2017 proved his ability to win in a more advanced baseball world. And as for his ability to work with the media, I point you back to my previous points.

The notion that the Mets should go with an experienced manager purely because Mickey Callaway didn’t work out is atrocious, seeing as though younger managers are winning all over baseball. The Mets should go with an experienced and proven manager because with their current roster, and seeing as though they have at most 2 years guaranteed left with their core, there is no room to hope a manager can be good: they need someone they know will be good. While signs may point to someone being a good manager in their first gig, it will be an unknown until he proves it, or disproves it, on the field. The Mets sit in an odd timeline of their future arriving last season, and having only a few seasons to get the job done.

While Dusty Baker may not be a perfect fit, he certainly offers a lot of pros to the Mets. A baseball lifer who is dedicated to the game and whatever team he is handed. As for his post-season failures, the Mets are in no spot to point at a manager’s post-season record as use it as a reason not to hire them; they’ve only made the playoffs four times this century. Despite the lack of post season success, I have a feeling he may emerge as a strong possibility for the gig. A strong minded, positive, committed man with a history of love for his players, Baker could be exactly what the Mets need to get over the hump and into October.