Manager Baez on winning track
For a managerial debut, Kevin Baez could not ask for anything more. At 69-35, the Ducks lead the Atlantic League in wins and clinched a playoff berth by virtue of winning the Liberty Division's first half. A Ducks player on the team's only championship in 2004, Baez spent four of the past five seasons as a coach before being named manager. A Brooklyn native, he played in 63 games over three seasons with the Mets.
How do you explain the team's success?
"Overall, everybody has been contributing. Now, it's just a matter of getting enough playing time for everybody."
Who has been the biggest surprise?
"Mike Loree. Just what he did this year [14-3, 1.79 ERA before being signed by the Pirates organization]. We played against him last year when he was with Newark. He wasn't dominating with them. This year, he was a pleasure to watch. That sort of thing is contagious, and guys responded."
What would it mean to you to win another championship here?
"One thing we talked about when I was here as a coach is that winning here would be special. This year, putting the team together, we had a good feeling. The coaching staff, from pitching coach Steve Foucault to hitting coach Jay Loviglio, has been outstanding. I couldn't have done it without them."
What has been the toughest aspect of moving into the managerial role?
"Basically, when there is something that needs to be done, it's my decision. I always try to go back to when I played. The game is not that easy, and I try to have some fun with the players. I believe I'm an easy manger to play for. All I ask is that you play hard."
Having clinched a playoff berth in July, what have you done to gear up for the postseason?
"When I had a meeting with the team after the first half, I told them to enjoy the moment. When we started the second half, we had another meeting, and I told them this doesn't mean that we'll lay down. And with the talent we have, we should win the second half."
How have you adjusted to losing players such as Loree and Mike Parisi to affiliated clubs?
"It's not easy, but you understand coming into the league that you will lose players. If they get signed, it's good for them and bad for us. But ultimately, that is what this league is for.
"It's just other guys stepping up. It gives other guys opportunities. Mark Diapoules [7-2, 4.66] wasn't in the rotation to start the season. A couple of guys left, and he stepped in."
