In The Line Of Fire: Dusty Baker & Friends

Since this extravaganza had yet to exist back when the Toothpick was hired, my plaintive bleating about the error was to fall on deaf keyboards. What was true then is true now, however. The guy can't win with anything less than top-notch talent. Before anybody gets to pointing out that is typical of all baseball managers, please, your Honor, mark the managers of Detroit and Florida as exhibits A & B. The game that Lee was hurt in couldn't end fast enough for Baker. He had to get in front of a microphone to start the "season is over without DLee" mantra. Great, tell the other twenty-four guys in the clubhouse they all suck.

"Sorry guys, but without one player, who only bats three to five times a game, we have no chance at all. If it were up to me I would just send y'all home and call it a season."

Come on! Did nobody else see this man was clueless before this? Like when his kid was almost run over at home back in San Fran? (I've wondered who he would have blamed if it would have been a close play at home with a slide or even a catcher knock-over?) The meltdown after a fan did what a fan might do with a foul ball? Way to let the moment slip away from you. If the manager can't help the situation then, when will he? Runners getting picked off base, not his fault, man. Pitchers worried about color commentators and calling during the game, blame the announcers. (Truth in broadcasting? For shame Steve Stone, for shame.) Sure, it was the GM's poor decision to count on the Crystal Twins, but are the Cubs the only team to lose pitchers to injury. Maybe it hurts the World Series hopes, but Baker did everything but fold up the tent and go home.

As stated elsewhere, there are avid eighteen year-old baseball fans who could manage as well as Dusty Baker. Even without the wristbands. How sad he can never take any blame. Whenever he anticipates a particularly bad interview, there's his son on his lap, blurring the line between symbolic and literal shield. Yet, never his player or his coaches fault, either. Magically somebody elses. Poor mechanics, utter lack of fundamentals, loss of focus in crucial situations; Dusty didn't see it, or you are wrong and it didn't happen, or he can't control that, or, or , or...

The "In Dusty We Trusty" apologists aren't neccessarily numerous, but they are loud. Baker has gotten in the sympathetic ear of many of the right people, media types mostly, who have worked in the backround to insulate their friend from anything remotely resembling the facts as they stand. Fear not, whenever the need arises, they will rally to his defense like the lackeys around the neighborhood bully.

To be sure, Dusty is not the only person at fault for the Cubs endless demise. Hendry has a substantial part to play. Upper management is also to share. Plus, the coaches (towel toss, anyone?), the players (ARam, way to carry the team through those tough games when your now twenty games back, you big stud), and the fans (keep filling up that ballpark, giving management no reason to take you seriously).

Relief, if not help, is on the way. Already, the cry has gone up for the great Joe Girardi to come to the rescue. So in a rush was the mob that they had posterboard, sticks, markers...and no slogan or theme (not to mention Boone Logan or Sid Bream). Still, the thought was (almost) there. Cubs fans must be masochists to enjoy their suffering so thoroughly (as well as expensively).

You can (and will) always wait until next year...and the next...and the next....and the next...

Until next time, be good.