Huge task for Roberts
In pursuit of their first World Series crown since 1988, the Los Angeles Dodgers are entrusting their high-payroll team with the enigmatic right fielder and too many starting pitchers to a rookie manager who has never performed this job at any level. And they’re thrilled about it. Dave Roberts, the San Diego Padres bench coach the last two seasons, won over the Dodgers during the interview process with his smarts, preparation and charismatic personality.
Now Dodgers brass hopes the team will reflect the gritty playing style that allowed Roberts to carve out a 10-year big-league career despite limited talent.
“If you spend time with him, his energy is infectious. He’s a very positive guy,” general manager Farhan Zaidi said. “We’re really excited about the impact he’s had, the personal connections he’s already made with a lot of our players. They’re excited to play for him, and I think we may see this team take on a new identity this year.”
In recent years the Dodgers have been baseball’s most expensive team, one full of talent that didn’t always mesh. They won three consecutive National League West titles for the first time in franchise history under ex-manager Don Mattingly but fell short of the World Series, winning one playoff series.
Some of the potentially divisive issues remain and will be Roberts’ to deal with, including an overcrowded outfield, a rotation with as many as eight starting candidates and problem child Yasiel Puig.
The outfielder can alternately carry a team with his ability and splinter it with his egocentricity. Roberts reached out to Puig, who has lost weight, and liked what he heard.
“I see the passion, I see the excitement, I see the care to want to be great,” Roberts said during the Dodgers’ FanFest. “What he talked about was winning a championship.”
That’s all Roberts is expected to do in his first year on the job. Other than that, no pressure.