Holding Out For a Hero

Aaron Harang pitched a complete-game shutout last night against the Cardinals.  Good for him.

This series with the Cardinals brought something to my attention that I’m sure has already been discussed by somebody somewhere, but it’s the first time I’m mentioning it (I think).

Let’s say, for the sake of argument, that the Reds fire Dusty Baker at the end of the season (although, this late-season “surge” makes that increasingly unlikely).

Anyway, let’s say they fire the bum.  What are the odds that Walt Jocketty brings in Tony LaRussa to replace Baker?

More importantly, what are the odds that Tony LaRussa wants to manage the Cincinnati Reds?

50-1?  2-15?  20-30?

(I don’t gamble, so I have no idea what good odds are)

As abrasive as LaRussa can be at times (okay, all the time), I think he is exactly what this team needs right now.  I mean, look what he was able to do with a banged-up and not-so-good Cardinals team this season.  He kept them in the race until the end of the season, which I’m pretty sure nobody expected at the beginning of the season.

LaRussa is always dropping hints that he wants out of St. Louis, possibly to land a GM job somewhere else, but why not give managing one last chance?  Manage the Reds for a few years then slip into the GM job when you’re done.

Would anyone really have a problem with that?

My guess is that nothing will happen and Dusty Baker will be the manager of the Cincinnati Reds manager next season, but if this letter is to be believed (stop laughing), then changes need to be made.  So, why not start at the top?

Stranger things have happened. After all, we are talking about a city whose Oktoberfest started YESTERDAY.

I will continue to hold out hope that Dusty Baker gets das boot.

Get it?

Das… Boot?

In closing, here is a shameless picture of a girl dressed in a dirndl, holding a beer.

(David Sorcher, Cin Weekly)