As manager, Baker not afraid to delegate responsibility

Some managers like to have a say in everything that happens to their baseball team. Whether it's on the field, in the clubhouse or even in the front office.

Some managers also like to be the spokesperson for everything that happens in the baseball game, and the game-changing decisions that can decide a win from a loss.

So is the Nationals' Dusty Baker a controlling manager? Does he have to check off on everything that happens? Does he veto each decision?

Baker says he puts together a coaching staff that he trusts to coach their respective area. And to be experts in their field. And then lets them go out and lead.

"The great leaders I study, that's what they do," Baker said. "I'm not a dictator. Every guy has a department. Now they have to answer to me sooner or later. And if there not taking care of their department and it's coming down on me now, we got to make a change. But I've always had guys that I feel comfortable (with), even though my reputation was running everything."

Baker felt in years past that he got the status as a manager that controlled everyone. He said that is far from the truth.

"People really didn't know me at all," Baker said. "Most people are guessing because I don't tell them nothing, and it's really like none of their business."

The question was asked about his pitching coach, Mike Maddux, and how he manages the pitchers during each game. Who decides when to change pitchers?

"Mike Maddux is my pitching coach," Baker said. "And there are times in the game when I make the decisions and there are times 'Hey, what do you think, Mike?' I am more of a hitter than I was a pitcher. But in order to be a good hitter you needed to know something about pitching."

Baker gives Maddux a lot of leeway and trusts the decisions he makes. But Baker also appreciates an opinion that may not be his.

"I had a couple of pitching coaches that I'd ask them their opinion and they'd say, 'What do you want, what do you want to do?' " Baker said. "I'd say, 'That's why I'm asking you.' Doesn't the president have a cabinet? And you depend on that cabinet. I don't know the interior and defense and everything that there is to know. I know a little bit about everything. But certain people are experts in that department."

And ultimately Baker knows that is a decision that backfires, the position coach doesn't deserve the blame. He is not afraid to stand up and take the heat for a choice that didn't work out.

"If it doesn't work, it falls on me and I can handle it," Baker said.

* First baseman Adam Lind was able to switch from spring training jersey No. 73 to No. 26 to begin the season. He joked today saying he wanted No. 76 because "it's not far from No. 73, and besides No. 76 represents D.C. better." But he's fine with No. 26, too.