It sounds like firing Dick Pole was not Dusty Baker’s decision.

“I was in on decisions,” he said. “But I thought there were reasons for Dick to stay. But at the end of the day, it was an organizational decision.”

Pole and Baker worked together in Chicago and San Francisco, although Pole was hired by Jerry Narron.

Simply looking at the numbers, you can make a case for Pole. The Reds are seventh in the National League in ERA at 4.21. They were 13th last at 4.55.

The timing of the firing is curious. The St. Louis Cardinals just left town. Pitching coach Dave Duncan is his last year of his contract with the Cardinals. He spoke out about his displeasure with the organization year early this year. One of his points was he was more involved in minor league development and play acquisitions under Walt Jocketty.

Here’s a link to the story.