Reds hire Baker to manage team

CINCINNATI -- By hiring Dusty Baker as their next manager, the Cincinnati Reds have made a pronounced change in philosophy, turning to an outsider to run the team for the first time in 18 years.

The last time they did it, they won a championship.

The Reds confirmed Sunday that Baker will become their next manager. Baker, who has a three-year deal, will be introduced at a news conference today in Cincinnati.

"Dusty is extremely excited to join the Cincinnati Reds with its rich history, and looks forward to helping re-establish the legacy of the Big Red Machine," said his agent, Greg Genske.

The move got the players' attention. Instead of promoting from within, the Reds went for someone with no ties to the organization. During his 14 seasons as manager, the 58-year-old Baker led San Francisco to the World Series and the Chicago Cubs to the playoffs.

"Since I've been here, we haven't had the big-name manager," said right-hander Aaron Harang, who has been with the Reds for the last five years.

They haven't had a winning season over that span, either.

The last time the Reds hired a manager with no ties to the organization was 1990, when Lou Piniella took over and led the team to a World Series championship.

-- AP