That led to a natural question concerning next year's center fielder: Stubbs or Taveras or Chris Dickerson?
"Taveras was struggling even before Stubbs got here," said Baker. "Taveras has been out a long time and the door was open for Stubbs and he really kicked that door open."
When asked if Dickerson remained in the picture, Baker said, "He has to come back first (off the DL). Right now Stubbs has played better than both of them.
"Dickerson's average is higher, but Stubbs has been more productive," Baker added. "Dickerson's up side is still tremendous. Dickerson still action, big-time.
"I'd rather have too many than too few," Baker continued. "All three are pretty good outfielders, all have speed, Stubbs has shown more power than any of them and he steals bases and he is going to get better defensively."
Quick synopsis: Stubbs is next year's center fielder.
Thank you, Pittsburgh
Since Aug. 23, the Reds are 21-10, tied for second with the New York Yankees for the best record in baseball over that span, trailing only the 21-9 Boston Red Sox.
Why, other than the fact seven of the 20 wins have come against the Pittsburgh Pirates?
"Some of it has to do with better pitching, some of it has to do with good game-calling by the catchers, some of it has to do with defense, some of it has to do with new personnel," said Baker.
"Some of it has to do with how long Drew Stubbs has been here and some of it has to do with Scott Rolen in the lineup and some of it has to do with the way Brandon Phillips and Joey Votto have been hitting."
And a whole lot of it has to do with playing the Pirates and as Baker said, "You don't want a team with its spirit broken. Once a team's spirit is broken, you're done."
The Pirates not only have their spirit broken, it has been yanked out of their bodies. And the Reds have three more games left with the Pirates, the last three of the season at Great American Ballpark.
Quote of the day
"As long as I still get that queasy feeling in my stomach, like I need Gelusil, with a one-run lead and one out in the ninth, I want to do this job." — Pitching coach Dick Pole.
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