Hall of Fame reporter Hal McCoy had the chance to sit down and chat with Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker when he was in the office yesterday, and it sounds like Baker is very close to returning.

Baker was upbeat, enthusiastic and effervescent during my short visit.

He looked fit and trim and the smile on his face was as wide as the room. His handshake was bone-shattering, as it always is.

Baker had a good attitude about the mini-stroke, feeling a little lucky to have it happen while he was still in the hospital. And he’s planning on returning for the final series of the regular season against the St. Louis Cardinals.

“I’m OK, I’m fine,” he said. “I haven’t felt this good in a long time. I can’t remember the last time I felt this good.”

That’s encouraging news. While Baker has been making appearances before each of the last several games at the ball park, his actual presence with what is his team during the games will be very important for the playoffs.

Besides, it would be a shame for him to miss any post-season celebration.