Keeping account of changeups

Dusty Baker takes over in Cincinnati in his third managerial go-round. (Charles Krupa/Associated Press)

Dusty Baker has one bit of advice for rookie managers Trey Hillman (Kansas City) and John Russell (Pittsburgh): "Talk to other managers. Soak in the knowledge of those who have done it before and done it successfully and never stop doing it."

Baker, who has taken the reins of the Cincinnati Reds this season, says he often phones former Reds and Tigers Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson for advice. In 14 seasons managing the Giants and Cubs, Baker has a winning percentage of .527 (1,162-1,041), yet if he ever stops trying to get better, he knows he'll be out of the game for good.

"It's really an ongoing process," said Baker. "You've got to know your players and what they can do and what they can't do. You have to put them in the right position to succeed. You have to show patience. In our case here in Cincinnati, we know we have good young arms who might not be All-Stars right at the start, but if we stay patient, we'll reap the benefits. I mean, Aaron Harang wasn't the Aaron Harang we know now when he was with the Oakland A's. Tom Glavine wasn't Tom Glavine in his first couple of years. If you show patience with them they'll develop."

Joe Girardi takes over for Joe Torre in New York, and Girardi's only managerial experience was bittersweet. He was fired by Florida Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria in a personality clash after finishing the 2006 season with a 78-84 record. After his dismissal, he was named the National League Manager of the Year.

"I think we all understand what putting on the Yankee uniform means," Girardi said. "We know we're under constant scrutiny, but anyone who has ever worn the uniform, whether it be as a player or a manager, can and will deal with it. There's no greater atmosphere for baseball than being a New York Yankee. I know what to expect and what I'm dealing with. You don't go into this job unaware of what you have to face. And I'm certainly aware of the great man and great manager I'm replacing. I know that firsthand because I played for Joe Torre."

Torre, entering his first season with the Dodgers, goes from one storied franchise to another, but the pressure meter has probably plummeted.

"We have talented players and an owner [Frank McCourt] willing to give us the resources to produce a winner. That's all I can ask for," said Torre. "I think 12 years as the Yankee manager taught me a lot of things about building a winner. Our goal is to win a championship. That's why I was hired."

Russell, a former backup catcher for the Phillies, Rangers, and Braves, was a longtime loyal soldier of the Minnesota Twins, where he managed in the system eight years. Russell was the choice in Pittsburgh of new general manager Neal Huntington, who had no previous association with Russell except that he had heard of his ability to bring along young players.

"There's a lot more responsibility," said Russell. "Not that it's harder and not that I don't enjoy it, but there are a lot more things you have to accomplish. There are the daily preparations. I can't go home without making sure everything is prepared for the next day. I think the biggest thing and difference between managing in the minors and majors is that there are a lot more things you have to accomplish."

One of the biggest adjustments for Russell is that he now has a full stable of coaches. Russell has had to learn to delegate, but "ultimately I need to know everything that's going on. In the minors you pretty much do everything yourself. You have a pitching coach who handles much of that aspect of it, but you're doing a lot of it."

While there hasn't been much turnover in the Pirates' roster, Russell is trying to make his players believe that they're good and that they have a chance to contend in the NL Central.

"We have a good, young pitching staff," said Russell. "We have very good positional players. So I think we have the pieces in place. I think the main thing is playing together as a unit for a while so that we don't put the burden on one guy. They all have to have a monster year for us to be successful."

Russell was asked about his managerial style, whom he has patterned himself after. Russell said he's always done things the way he thought made sense.

"I pay attention," said Russell. "I've learned from a lot of good people. I make sure I'm prepared for the game. As far as being fiery, I'm not going to blow up too often. I think the biggest thing is attention to detail. I just need to make sure everyone is prepared for that night."

Russell has been portrayed as a disciplinarian, but he says he doesn't have a lot of rules.

"In spring training I just have a way I like to see things done," he said. "I have an idea of what it's supposed to look like. There's a certain way to do things and I want to do it right. No. 1 is being on time. You can't do anything until all of your players are here. So it starts with being on time."

Hillman appears to be the "new wave" manager. He spent a lot of years in the Yankees organization and he's managed very successfully in Japan, where he won one title and led his Nippon Ham Fighters of Japan's Pacific League to the finals last season. He also believes in discipline and rules.

Hillman will take over a Royals team that has begun to beef up its drafting, scouting, and player development. Hillman should excel with younger players, who are beginning to head into their prime years. He's emphasized fundamentals in spring training, playing smart.

"He's got one of the most organized spring trainings I've seen," said one scout. "He has a plan and he's sticking with it. The players have great respect for him already."

Next in line

John Farrell, Red Sox: Pirates' job was probably his for the asking; Boston's pitching coach will wait for better situation.

Don Mattingly, Dodgers: Interviewed for Yankees' job, then was supposed to be Joe Torre's bench coach in LA until a messy family situation intervened.

Terry Pendleton, Braves: Long-time Atlanta hitting coach figures to get first crack at Braves job when Bobby Cox retires.

Chip Hale, Diamondbacks: Minor League Manager of the Year in '06, D-Backs third-base coach managed in Arizona Fall League last fall.

Nick Cafardo can be reached at cafardo@globe.com.