Go Bluejays!

With the press finally starting to question Dusty Baker and the possibility (no longer inevitability) of his contract extension, it's time to do something productive and start talking about who should be the replacement for Dusty when he goes.

It seems clear that, short of a 15 game winning streak, Dusty Baker will not be here next year. It may be his own choice or it may be the Cubs. Hell, it may be the Cubs increasingly likely new owner who decides to go another direction. What's certain is that Dusty needs to leave.

So, who replaces him? Jay Windsock says to let Dusty go today. He then suggests Bob Brenly take over. That seems an obvious choice because the Cubs are already paying him $750,000 this year. Also, with the possible spin off of the broadcasting unit, the synergies of having him at WGN could be going away.

But Bob and Len Kasper are really just starting to get some chemistry. Why break it up now on a possible interim-only gig? Were I Bob, I'd want a 4+ year deal to leave the booth and some player personnel input. Plus some payroll guarantees.

That won't happen until the Trib share buyback is complete.

Jay is right about one thing. It's time to let Dusty walk now (either that, or extend him now and get the speculation over with). There's really only one choice to replace Dusty on an interim basis. Make the guy that put this crap together run it.

Make GM Jim Hendry pull double duty. He has relevant experience. And moving a GM to the dugout has worked in the past (see: Cox, Bobby).

Who knows? Maybe having the boss in the dugout might actually motivate some people differently than they are now being motivated. That might make this team interesting to watch at least.