Why Dusty Baker Should Not Be Allowed to Manage A Professional Baseball Team: Reason #1

As of right now, this is what the Cincinnati Reds lineup is slated to look like:

1. Willy Taveras
2. Jerry Hairston Jr.
3. Joey Votto
4. Brandon Phillips
5. Jay Bruce
6. Edwin Encarnacion
7. Ramon Hernandez
8. Alex Gonzalez

Granted, the Reds have a pretty shitty offense to being with (at least OBP-wise), but does anybody really think it's even a remotely good idea to have a guy leading off that had an OBP 40 points below league average last year? I mean someone that knows absolutely nothing about baseball can understand the simple concept that the person who bats first in a lineup will get the most at-bats. Why would you want someone who specializes at not getting on base receiving the most at-bats? Oh wait, I know... Because he's fast.

The notion that speed is essential for a leadoff hitter has been blown way out of proportion throughout the game of baseball. Sure, it's nice to have, but in no way should it take precedence over getting on base. Dusty Baker does not know this, hence the first reason why he should not be allowed to manage a professional baseball team.