Washington Nationals: Five Reasons They Win The NLDS
By Ron Juckett
DUSTY BAKER
The grizzled veteran returns for his seventh postseason as a manager and 11th overall in Major League Baseball.
Yes, he has never won the World Series as a manager, but 2016 is his 21st as a manager. The likeable Dave Roberts in the Dodger’s dugout is completing his first as a manager.
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Nothing new will be there for Baker. He brings to October the team he has had since the Mark Melancon trade.
The players love him and Baker is relaxed and happy. At 67, he has been there and done that. He pulled all the right strings this year as they marched to the division win, not getting too down when things went bad.
He can exploit Roberts playoff inexperience. Having Tanner Roark pitching behind Max Scherzer helps too.
As a long-time Dodger outfielder, Baker can help the youngsters on what to expect in Los Angeles and how Dodger Stadium plays at different times of day.
What will be instinctual to Baker will take a couple games for Roberts in his first postseason. With the able help of Davey Lopes, Mike Maddux and Chris Speier, all playoff and Los Angeles-tested, they set a relaxed mood the team will follow.
There is always pressure in the playoffs. Baker’s best job is diffusing it. Follow the toothpick and smile all the way to the NL Championship Series.