Reds expected to offer Dusty Baker a “short term” contract

There was chatter during yesterday’s Giants-Reds game that, seeing as though he’s only under contract through 2012 at the moment, it could be Dusty Baker’s last game at the helm in Cincinnati. Which, theoretically, could be his last game as manager.

Seems that isn’t the case, though:

Walt Jocketty will meet this morning w Dusty Baker and plans to offer short term contract #Reds

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 12, 2012

Baker’s last deal was a two-year deal, covering 2011 and 2012. The deal he had before that was a three-year contact. In August, the team’s president said he wants Baker in Cincinnati “for many years to come.”

Given the “short” talk here, it’ll be interesting to see if he merely gets a one-year extension. And, if he does, it’ll be interesting to see if he accepts it. The team has made long term commitments to Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips. Does it think that Baker is the guy to take them to the promised land?

The Reds have sent second baseman Scooter Gennett in for an MRI exam after he was forced to make an early departure from Friday’s 6-4 loss to the Brewers. The exact nature of the injury has yet to be reported, but starting pitcher Robert Stephenson said Gennett may have hurt himself after he “rolled weird” while trying to rein in a ground ball. He appeared to be grabbing at his right thigh/groin area immediately afterward and was helped off the field.

Following the incident, the 28-year-old was swiftly replaced by veteran infielder Carlos Rivero, who went hitless as he finished out the game. Though Gennett went 0-for-1 in his lone at-bat on Friday, he’s been tearing through the Cactus League competition this spring with a .351/.405/.486 batting line in 42 plate appearances so far.

The extent of Gennett’s injuries have not been disclosed — and may still be unknown to the team as well — but any significant setback would undoubtedly throw a wrench in the Reds’ plans this season, as he was the presumed starter at the keystone after turning in his first All-Star worthy performance in 2018. Although they have a promising alternative in top infield/outfield prospect Nick Senzel, the 23-year-old has not seen any time at second base this year and was recently reassigned to Triple-A Louisville to start the 2019 season.