The Rumor Mill - Dusty Baker - ChicagoCubsOnline.com

Possible Replacements for Dusty Baker and Could A-Rod Become A Cub?

Updated - 7:00pm C.T. - Dusty Feels Comfortable According to the Associated Press

While the Cubs do play the Astros in the series finale on Wednesday night in Houston, the hot topic among the Cubs Faithful on Wednesday is the possible firing of Dusty Baker. I thought this might be a topic that should have its own place to discuss. I also wanted to pass along other information that I had heard on Wednesday as well concerning Dusty and the possible replacements that have been mentioned in the last 24 hours. Also, for those of you that missed Jason's column earlier on Wednesday, don't forget to check it out....it is a good read.

Before we get into the Dusty discussions, Barry Rozner mentioned in an article in the Daily Herald on Wednesday morning, should the Cubs go after Alex Rodriguez? Rozner does mention that he has not heard anyone in the Cubs organization mentioning this, he does mention the Cubs might be able to trade Aramis Ramirez, Jacque Jones and Ryan Dempster for A-Rod....I just wanted to throw that out for discussion as well.

Now to the Dusty discussion....

Obviously by now you have all read the articles in the Sun-Times by Mike Kiley and in the Chicago Tribune by Paul Sullivan, both mention the same names as possible replacements for Dusty Baker.

Lou Piniella, Tom Kelly, Jimy Williams, Gene Lamont, Fredi Gonzalez (the name I have heard for the past several weeks), Chris Speier and Mike Quade, manager of the Iowa Cubs.

Mel Antonen of USA Today and Charley Steiner both discussed Baker's situation on Wednesday during Steiner's show on XM Radio. Both feel Dusty must go and here are some of the reasons they give:

Chemistry in the Clubhouse - They both feel Dusty has lost control of his team and that stems from Dusty's lack of leadership. There was an article in Wednesday morning's Tribune that stated the fingers are starting to be pointed. Aramis Ramirez was not happy after Tuesday's loss to the Astros, the report was also on ESPN's Baseball Tonight.

Jim Hendry's Indecision - Hendry's unwillingness to make a commitment one way or another about Dusty's future with the team has created problems in the clubhouse. Hendry should have decided 8 weeks ago whether or not he was going to extend Baker's contract and not allow it to drag out this long.

Must Send a Message to the Team - According to Antonen and Steiner, Hendry must send a message to the players that this kind of play will not be tolerated.

- XM Radio also reported on Tuesday that Dusty is interested in the manager's job in D.C. for the Nationals if Frank Robinson retires at the end of the season.

This is what I have read and heard over the last 24 hours, I do not feel an interim manager is what any club needs.

What are your thoughts? Feel free to discuss Dusty and the Cubs, as well as the game....

Chicago Cub Fan

Who I would like to see manage the Cubs

Myself...hahaha

Bob Brenly :) I think he'd be the best he knows the players well, and I think they respect him

Who I wouldn't like to see manage

Really I think Bobs the best so ya

cubsbaseball

Having ARod in a Cub uniform would be great, but what the Cubs really need is successful quality starting pitching. The only 2 arms the Cubs have are Zambrano and Marshall, the rest are done or not ready. I have screamed this topic since last winter, when Jim Hendry was concentrating on a rightfielder, a leadoff man, and the bullpen. Agree that those areas were well needed adjustments but the #1 needed adjustment was the starting pitching, that was never addressed. Instead Hendry was relying on Wood, Prior, Rusch, Maddux, and Zambrano. We have one out of the five we now only rely on for a good outing every time he steps out on the mound (Z). Letting Dusty Baker go is a must, not only for the Cubs but for Dusty. Baker has commented this year for the lack of quality starting pitching. If Dusty Baker goes so must Jim Hendry.

Neil

Jim...I agree with Jason on the interim manager I do not feel that is the right situation for any club, although that worked out very well for the Reds...Jerry Narron.

I know I keep mentioning Narron but the job he has done with the Reds is impressive.

I don't know about Bob Brenly, there is a reason he is in the booth. I like Joe Girardi...I liked him as a player and he learned from Joe Torre...like Brian said how can anyone be overrated with that many rings. Everyone thinks he will just up and leave Florida but what is attractive about the Cubs right now? Don't misunderstand I would like to see Girardi, I just don't know.

Of the names that are out there I like Fredi Gonzalez not for any other reason except he comes from two winning organizations...the Marlins and the Braves. Regardless of how you feel about the Marlins, they have two World Series Championships in 10 years and I will not even explain the Braves.

I am not a fan of "recycling" managers, where have the last two big name managers the Cubs have signed gotten them? In order to be a winner you have to surround yourself with winners.

When was the last time a manager that won the World Series with one team won it with another? I think it was Sparky Anderson, 22 years ago with the Tigers and before then I cannot remember.

jim (tinley park)

Neil:

I asked Jason this question in an earlier forum.

Who would you like to see as the next Cubs Manager?

I Would like to see either:

Lou Pinella: Smart, former player, won a title.

Bob Brenly: same as above, also a risk taker.

Joe Girardi: Very Smart, Former player. He LOVES the cubs. There is a clause in his contract that frees him to manage the Cubs or N.Y. Yankees if a job opens up.

I would hate to see:

Jimy Williams: He is Old and he spells his name weird.

Gene Lamont: Boring

Jim Fregosi: Nothing special here.