Former assistant director of amateur scouting and current West Coast cross-checker Mark Baca said after the Nationals drafted Darren Baker, the son of former Washington manager Dusty Baker, for the second time (2017/2021). “Obviously there’s a bloodline there,” he told reporters.
“He’s a really good player. Intelligent. When you watch him play on the field, that’s a big trait, he has the tools, he’s very versatile. He can also play second. He can play center, he can run. So obviously – along with his father, Dusty – we really liked this player, we liked the way he ran the clock and all of his great instincts. We really like the player.”
“He’s kind of stepped up this year,” Chris Klein, then vice president of scouting operations and current special assistant to the general manager, said of Baker after an impressive season on the second day of the 2021 draft. ” he said. At the University of California, Berkeley, he batted .327 with six doubles, 17 RBIs, 28 BBs, 28 stolen bases, and 40 points.
“He stole a lot of bags. It’s been a good year, and you pulled for them like this. He’s lived with the game all his life. We put him where we found him.” I was so excited to be able to take you to [in the 10th Round]. I think Dusty is pretty excited too. ”
Baker spent four seasons in the minor leagues with the Nationals, hitting .286/.348/.354 and .285/ in 346 games before being called up to make his MLB debut later this season. left behind. At Triple-A Rochester, he had a .348/.340 line, 20 doubles, 38 stolen bases (in 43 attempts), 43 walks, and 91 Ks.
“There are no charity calls for this game,” GM and Director of Baseball Ops Mike Rizzo told Audacity’s Sports Junkies that Darren’s shot was nothing more than an example of a player earning an opportunity. He talked about the idea that it is nothing.
“Roster spots are too precious to do him any favors. This kid has proven himself at every level and played so well in Triple-A for almost two seasons that he has earned the right to wear a big league uniform. And it was fun getting the phone call to tell Dusty that his kid was going to the big leagues.”
“I’ve known this kid for a long time. She’s great at makeup, and she’s an amazing kid,” Lizzo added.
“Also, he knows how to play the game.
“He has a high baseball IQ and is a good runner and base stealer.”
Rizzo described Baker as a “…contact hitter.” [who] He could play several positions for us. We look at him as a guy who could be a big part of our future.
“It’s about playing a complementary role to the other players we have in the system.”
“Darren has done really well the last two years in Rochester,” Nats coach Davey Martinez told reporters after hearing from Baker.
“He’s a player who helps us in a lot of different ways, whether it’s defense or hitting, he’s got good batting and ball skills, he’s a left-handed hitter, he can play in a lot of different positions. So he came here and played a little bit here. We deserved a chance to play and see what we have.
“If Dusty isn’t here yet, I’m sure he’s on his way, so it’ll be good to see him as well and see his son play in the big leagues.”
“I always thought he would be [a big league player] Because that’s what he wanted,” Dusty Baker said. Quoted by Jessica Camerato of MLB.com.
“He put in the time and the effort. I thought he had the talent to do it. … He’s not in awe of being there. He’s grateful, but it feels like home. I feel as comfortable as if I were there.”
“I think it’s comfortable,” Darren said. “Especially this [Nationals Park]. I knew how to get here. There was no need to put it in my cell phone or anything. So just showing up was a relief. ”
And he’s back at Nationals Park to play, this time not as the manager’s son?
“That’s a little different,” he admitted.
“I think that makes me kind of unique. I’ve had different experiences and people I’ve met to get to this point. And I’m just getting started. We’ll see how it goes. We’ll see, and we’re grateful for everything.”
Baker was one of 10 Nationals players to make their MLB debut last season. He went 7-for-14 with two doubles in nine games in his first game in the majors.
“[He] I’m not scared,” Martinez said after a 3-for-4 game against Baker on Sept. 19, when he singled on the first pitch he saw in the majors.
“Like I said, he’s a good baseball player and he’s going to give it his all every day.”
“He knows himself really well. He didn’t try too hard, stayed on the ball, hit some balls, but other balls were really, really good, so that was great to see. ”
“[Baker] He had hits in five of the seven games he appeared at the plate,” the Nationals said in their season review, “…going 4-for-8 with a double and an RBI in two starts. , achieved good results.” [and] 3 out of 5 as PH. ”
In the minors, Baker “ranked in the top five in the WSH organization in SB (1st, 38), hits (1st, 124), RBIs (1st, 70), AVG (2nd, .285), OBP (4th place, .348).
“Defensively, he tied for the minor league lead with nine RBIs.” [defensive] According to Sports Info Solutions, at the time of the recall, the RBI had been saved at second base. ”
What do the Nationals have in Baker? Are there any interesting bench options? A utility man who can also run base and play solid defense? One thing is for sure: he’s more than just a good story.
