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Baker Gets New Look As Cincinnati's Manager

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The Associated Press

Published: October 16, 2007

CINCINNATI - Dusty Baker had a whole new look.

The 58-year-old manager put on a bright red Cincinnati cap and a red-and-white jersey Monday during his introduction as the next Reds manager. The color just didn't fit.

'This is my first red uniform in my whole life,' Baker said.

As an outfielder, he won a World Series ring while wearing Dodger blue in 1981. As a manager, he has won 1,162 games in San Francisco's orange and black and Cubs blue.

He led the Giants to the 2002 World Series and got the Cubs within five outs of the 2003 Series, two near-misses that still gnaw at him. After one year of working in television, he's back in baseball and back on his quest.

'I'm inspired,' said Baker, the first black manager in the history of baseball's first professional team. 'I feel that I was brought here for a number of reasons, not just to manage a baseball team.'

He's the first manager hired from outside the organization since Lou Piniella, who inherited a much better situation when he took over in 1990 and led the team to their last World Series title.

'When I took over the Giants, we were in the bottom. I took over the Cubs, they were in the bottom. So I plan on taking this team to the top like I've done with the other teams - and beyond. That's my goal,' Baker said.

ANGELS: General Manager Bill Stoneman, the architect of the lone World Series championship team in Los Angeles Angels history, is expected to leave his position today.

BREWERS: Claimed catcher Eric Munson off waivers from the Astrosand designated right-hander Mike Jones for assignment.

CARDINALS: Joel Pineiro agreed to a $13 million, two-year contract. The right-hander went 6-4 in 11 starts after being acquired from the Red Sox on the trade deadline.

•Tony La Russa's DUI hearing in Jupiter was postponed until Dec. 3.

PIRATES: Claimed outfielder Kevin Thompson off waivers and designated utilityman Matt Kata for assignment.

YANKEES: While team officials prepared to gather in Tampa today to determine the fate of Manager Joe Torre, Alex Rodriguez is in California to consult with agent Scott Boras about whether to opt out of his record $252 million, 10-year contract and become a free agent.

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