{"id":22974,"date":"2021-11-01T10:09:18","date_gmt":"2021-11-01T15:09:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/?p=22974"},"modified":"2021-11-01T10:09:18","modified_gmt":"2021-11-01T15:09:18","slug":"adjustments-in-their-lineup-and-approach-and-savvy-managing-by-dusty-baker-fuel-astros-revived-offense","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/?p=22974","title":{"rendered":"Adjustments in their lineup and approach, and savvy managing by Dusty Baker, fuel Astros\u2019 revived offense."},"content":{"rendered":"
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Astros owe manager Dusty Baker an extension<\/h1>\n<\/header>\n
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Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) is pulled by manager Dusty Baker Jr., left, during the third inning of Game 5 of the World Series on Sunday in Atlanta.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Typically, Dusty Baker chews on a couple toothpicks a game.<\/strong><\/p>\n

While he didn\u2019t begin dangling wood from his mouth during games as a way to deal with tension, he admits that what happens on the field directly affects his toothpick usage.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cIt depends on the game,\u201d Baker said. \u201cEverything depends on the game.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Suffice it to say, with everything riding on Sunday night\u2019s Game 5 of the World Series, there were surely more toothpicks called in from the bullpen than usual. Perhaps an entire box was in jeopardy after the Astros fell behind 4-0 on a first-inning grand slam.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Astros, trailing Atlanta 3-1 in the series, faced elimination at Truist Park.<\/strong><\/p>\n

But these Astros, Dusty\u2019s Astros, didn\u2019t fold.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thanks in part to several surprise contributions, Houston battled back to claim a series-saving 9-5 victory. Game 6 will be Tuesday at Minute Maid Park.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is a testament to Baker that the Astros didn\u2019t wilt when their odds seemed so dire.<\/strong><\/p>\n

FanGraphs gave the Braves an 84.3-percent chance of winning the game and the series after Adam Duvall\u2019s grand slam in the bottom of the first.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Considering the Astros had scored only two runs in two road losses in the World Series and just four runs in their three losses, a four-run deficit seemed insurmountable.<\/strong><\/p>\n

When others lose faith in the Astros, Baker believes. And they believe in him.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a person that believes in miracles,\u201d said Baker, who survived a prostate cancer diagnosis 20 years ago. \u201cI really believe in miracles because I\u2019ve had a few of them happen to me in my life.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Baker doesn\u2019t get credit for Martin Maldonado knocking in a run with a crucial sacrifice fly in the second inning or for Maldonado coaxing a timely bases-loaded walk in the fifth to pull the Astros into a tie, or Maldonado\u2019s two-out single in the seventh that plated an insurance run.<\/strong><\/p>\n

But Baker was the one who kept Maldonado in the lineup game after game, despite vehement protestations from fans and media.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The three RBIs on the night for the Astros catcher were more than he had in the entire postseason.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Baker isn\u2019t why Marwin Gonzalez, who hadn\u2019t had a hit in the major leagues in almost a month and wasn\u2019t expected to be on the playoff roster after he was released by the Red Sox and signed a minor league contract with the Astros.<\/strong><\/p>\n

But there he was, sending in Gonzalez to pinch-hit with the bases loaded and the game tied. The man has \u201cwin\u201d in his name for a reason, and he delivered a sharp single that brought home two runs to give the Astros\u2019 their first lead of the game.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is almost impossible to make all the right moves in a baseball game, especially in a National League stadium, but Baker pulled enough right strings Sunday night to extend the series, the season, and his managing career.<\/strong><\/p>\n

If he isn\u2019t with the Astros next year, Baker will not be managing in the major leagues.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Baker knows not to ever say never. He pretty much said it the last time he was out of work, then a never-before miracle hit, and the Astros fired A.J. Hinch for not properly policing his team\u2019s sign-stealing operation.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Baker was back, with a good team and a decent chance at winning his first World Series as a manager.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Most everyone figured it would be a short-term gig.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Despite words to the contrary, the Astros have made it obvious that will likely be the case, as Baker wasn\u2019t offered a contract extension and he will officially be out of work when the World Series ends.<\/strong><\/p>\n

At 73, after 24 seasons and more than 3,800 games, this stint with the Astros was his last shot.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a shame, really.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Baker has been a superb manager, starting with handling the difficult situation of his first season as well as anyone could.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Remember, Baker came in last season just prior to spring training, not knowing any of the players. And we\u2019re talking about players who were reeling from losing their manager and general manager, and quite a bit of respect after the sign-stealing revelation.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In a COVID-shortened season, with major injuries to his best starting pitcher, best reliever and best power hitter, Baker led the Astros to Game 7 of the American League Championship Series.<\/strong><\/p>\n

He did such a good job in handling the controversy during spring training that the Astros picked up the option year of his contract a mere four games into the start of the 2020 season.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cDusty has been a perfect fit for our ballclub,\u201d General Manager James Click said at the time. \u201cHis knowledge of the game and experience have been invaluable to us.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

None of that has changed. Baker brought stability and respect. Intelligence, decency, accountability.<\/strong><\/p>\n

He makes the Astros look good; he helps them play well.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Though when pressed recently, owner Jim Crane said contract talks with Baker would commence after the season, the words ring a bit hollow.<\/strong><\/p>\n

When it comes to a Baker contract with the Astros, there isn\u2019t much conversation to be had; nothing to discuss.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Saying they will talk about a contract is like Sesame Street promising to have a conversation with Cookie Monster about cookies.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThere is nothing to discuss,\u201d Monster would say. \u201cMe want cookie!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Baker wants to keep managing. If the Astros wanted him to, they would have already made him an offer.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Baker has earned another contract because of his accomplishments in his two seasons.<\/strong><\/p>\n

He has done more than just keep the team from collapsing. He kept it contending for championships by massaging egos and motivating players, while working around largely inexperienced pitching.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sunday was another example of how good Baker is at this.<\/strong><\/p>\n

These are his Astros, still fighting to stay alive \u2014 two wins from a World Series \u2014 and he\u2019s still chewing toothpicks.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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@DustyBakerTV<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Dusty Baker remembers Hank Aaron during Braves\/Astros World Series<\/strong><\/h1>\n

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Aaron was a longtime mentor, father figure to Baker<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Cincinnati<\/strong><\/div>
Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker, left, stands with his son Darren Baker, center, and baseball great Hank Aaron, right, as the national anthem plays during the Civil Rights Game ceremony before a game between the Chicago White Sox and the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park, Saturday, June 20, 2009, in Cincinnati. <\/span><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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When Dusty Baker was a young man, he prayed he wouldn\u2019t get drafted by a team in the south. He wasn\u2019t sure how he would handle being an African American in the deep south; this was, of course, the 1960s.<\/strong><\/p>\n

But he was drafted by a southern team; the Atlanta Braves. Baker would become close with Hank Aaron, who helped guide him through baseball and eventually life. Aaron promised Baker\u2019s mother he would help take care of her son.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now, the memory of Hank Aaron stays with Baker as the Braves and Astros play in the World Series.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI think about him all the time,\u201d said Baker. \u201cEspecially in a series like this. I feel his presence.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Baker and Aaron were present in many aspects of each other\u2019s lives. Baker was in the on-deck circle when Aaron hit his iconic 715th home run, breaking Babe Ruth\u2019s record. Aaron was like a grandfather to Baker\u2019s son, Darren. The two remained close until Aaron\u2019s death on January 22. Posthumously, Aaron has his imprint all over this World Series as his Braves take on Baker, manager for the Astros.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cHis footprints are all over this series,\u201d said Baker.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Baker spoke with media throughout the week about everything the late Aaron taught him.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAbout being a proud African American, but not wearing that on your sleeve because it\u2019s already on your face. He taught me a lot of life lessons, big time.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Astros\u2019 skipper was asked what Aaron would have said to him if he were still living.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cGoing over the conversations we would have had, we probably wouldn\u2019t have (talked) much about baseball.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now, Baker is in the midst of trying to win his first World Series as a manager against the team who drafted him.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cHe had a tremendous impact, not only on the baseball field but on my life, and in my family, and in my business,\u201d said Baker. \u201cI\u2019ll be forever grateful.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

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