Dusty Baker, the 63-year old manager for the Cincinnati Reds, signed a two-year contract extension, which will keep him with the ball club until 2014. This might give Baker yet another opportunity to take his team into the playoffs. The Reds have entered the playoffs twice in the last three years, but have fallen at the first hurdle.
Baker, who sustained a mini stroke, was unable to participate in the teams NL Central title celebrations this year. He was hospitalized and stayed in a Chicago hospital undergoing treatment of an irregular heartbeat.
Team owner Bob Castellini said: "This is Dusty's team. These fellas are poised to go deeper and deeper in the season. To not bring Dusty back or not ask Dusty to come back was out of the question."
Baker, who seems to have recuperated from his illness, promptly agreed to the club's offer when they presented him the two-year deal.
Baker said: "It's very much the same contract and very much the same thing for all of us up here: There's work left to be done. I didn't want to leave on a note that we still have work to do.
"I don't want to leave in a situation where for the rest of my life I would have regretted not coming back with unfinished business. It would have left a real pain in my heart to feel the way I did at the end of the season."
Baker was impressive as the manager this season helping the Cincinnati Reds overcome some major setbacks. He showed his creative genius by juggling the Reds lineup and making clever replacements for injured players.
Cincinnati has won two division titles in the last three seasons which is their best performance since 1970s. They have also won as many as 169 games during this period, which happens to be their best winning record in the last 30 years.
Walt Jocketty, the Reds general manager said: "We're moving in the right direction. We're trying to build a team that will be in contention for a long time and win multiple world championships. One of the things we feel is very important is continuity.
"Every place I've been, we've always had continuity, whether it's the scouts, the front office, the minor league people. But most importantly, the guys that are leading the team on the field. If you look, the more successful operations and teams are the organizations that keep continuity in their leadership."
Although there were doubts about Baker's fitness, he looks as confident as ever and can't wait for the next season to begin.
"I can't wait for spring training," he said. I feel excellent. I feel I have most of my strength back."
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