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The Cincinnati Reds have fired manager Dusty Baker, according to Ben Walker of the Associated Press and Buster Olney of ESPN.com. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com adds that the Reds made the decision to fire Baker after he stood up for hitting coach Brook Jacoby, who was on the verge of being fired as well. Heyman also noted that Baker would like to continue his managerial career elsewhere in the near future, and his reputation will likely put him in consideration for jobs around the major leagues.
Baker, 64, compiled a 509-463 record (.524 winning percentage) in his six years with the team, and has been regarded as one of the best managers in the National League over the last twenty years. He led the Giants to a 840-715 record in ten seasons from 1993 to 2002, and ended his tenure in San Francisco by winning the National League pennant in his final season before accepting the Cubs' managerial job before the 2003 season. Baker spent four mediocre years with the Cubs before taking the 2007 season off and accepting the Reds' position in October 2007. In twenty seasons as a manager with the Giants (1993-2002), Cubs (2003-2006), and Reds (2008-2013), Baker has compiled a lifetime record of 1,671-1,504 while notching three National League Manager of the Year awards in 1993, 1997, and 2000.
While it is not a guarantee that the Reds will stay within their organization in their search for a new manager, John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer speculates that the top two candidates will be pitching coach Bryan Price and Triple-A manager Jim Riggleman. Price is also under consideration for the Mariners' job, and will be one of the most popular candidates in managerial searches this fall. Cincinnati may also look to interview Yankees manager Joe Girardi, who is drawing interest from the Cubs and Nationals due to his expiring contract.
In addition to the Reds, the Mariners, Cubs, Nationals are all in the midst of managerial searches. If Girardi decides to leave New York, the Yankees will also be in need of a new skipper.
