The Dodgers are just two days away from officially announcing Dave Roberts as the club’s new manager in front of the media at Dodger Stadium. It took LA’s new front office about a month to decide on a new manager, after parting ways with Don Mattingly before the baseball season was even over. Within the time of searching for the new head coach, heavy rumors swirled around the baseball world that Gabe Kapler would get the job. Just a couple years back when the Dodgers hired Kapler as the director of the farm system, it was rumored that it was in place for him to become the next Dodgers’ manager, as he supposedly fits Andrew Friedman’s system for the club. So, when Dave Roberts was announced as the new skipper, it was a bit of a shock after all the hype surrounded finalist Gabe Kapler for a month. But, the question now is whether or not Roberts is the right fit.
What is strange is that looking through the 10 or so guys the Dodgers interviewed for the job, there was only one big name experienced candidate in the mix; Bud Black. With the Roberts hiring, it is confirmed that the Dodgers are under the impression of that hiring a first-time young manager that relates well to players is the way to go. Certainly guys like Roberts, Kapler, Derin Erstad, etc. are bright baseball minds who will eventually be good major league managers, but are not ready to take on a squad like LA who has a ring or bust mentality.
Don Mattingly did wonders for the lineup, as offensive production had few problems, but how he managed the pen is what got the Dodgers booted out of the playoffs early 3 years in a row. However, after the 2015 campaign, it was clear that the pen was no longer the only problem. Multiple injuries to the pitching rotation, and some problems with team chemistry (especially Yasiel Puig) were added obstacles on the road to a championship. Friedman and his boys in the front office needed to hire an experienced manager who knows how to use a talented bullpen to the team’s advantage and take control of the atmosphere in the locker room. Bud Black was the only one interviewed who fits that description. Why wasn’t Ron Washington, Dusty Baker, or Dave Martinez considered for the job?
There has been few leaked responses to the hiring from Dodgers’ front office personnel, but what has been the answer so far, is along the lines of feelings based. Reports have said that after the interview with Roberts, the Dodgers liked his confidence towards the team. There has been nothing said on Roberts’ approach to the game or in game strategy. But, the big title swirling around the hiring, is Roberts becoming the Dodgers’ first minority manager in team history. Yea that is great for franchise history, and it is comforting that the new manager has a lot of confidence along with strong vibes with the front office, but how does that help the Dodgers capture their first WS title in over 25 years? Other than the Blue Crew, no other team showed interest in Roberts’ services as a skipper. After Bud Black was fired as the Padres’ manager, Dave Roberts (bench coach) took over as interim manager, but only for one game, as the Friars’ felt so uncomfortable with him as the head coach. The only other look Roberts’ got, was from the Mariners, with whom he didn’t finish in the final 10 candidates for their managerial opening. What is even more surprising then the hiring itself, is that Dave’s contract is for three years.
Roberts brings two positive attributes to the Dodgers; one is that he should communicate with the players well, two is that he was Bud Black’s bench coach. Rough team chemistry has been one major set back for the Dodgers this past year, as Yasiel Puig has been a wild horse for some time, while it has upset the rest of the clubhouse. Dave Roberts has been praised by many of the Dodgers already when approached by the media, so that could be a big help, while hopefully Roberts can finally be the guy to reach Puig in a physiological way. But, Don Mattingly also reportedly was liked by the players. The other positive aspect Roberts brings to the table is that he has sat beside Bud Black in the dugout, who is a wizard when it comes to coaching the pen (the Padres had the lowest bullpen ERA a few times with Black). However, with none or few comments so far from the Dodgers about Roberts’ coaching ability, but the appraisal on the new skipper’s attitude, is very concerning.This hiring could make or break Andrew Friedman’s career in LA. What is it that made Friedman and his colleagues jump to an emotional decision inking an inexperienced man to lead a team that is on a win or bust road?
