Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has had his share of ups and downs while in Dodger Blue. We've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly.
The bad and the ugly are relatively few and far between. Unfortunately, postseason personnel decisions sting harder and linger longer, whether it's leaving Clayton Kershaw in too long or bringing Rich Hill out too soon. The perception perpetrated on social media is that Roberts is only as good as the sum total of his worst moments. That's why some Dodger fans are salivating at the mouth for the front office to fire the eighth-year manager.
However, the Dodgers' front office has no intention of replacing Roberts as he enters the most anticipated season in franchise history. For those Dodger fans holding their breath for Roberts to be fired, don't bother.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman chatted with Los Angeles Times columnist Bill Plaschke recently, and said he loves the job Roberts has done at the helm.
“Doc does an incredible job of balancing the many duties of the modern-day manager,” Friedman wrote. “There’s a relentless nature to the job and his ability to cultivate a great clubhouse culture, maintaining high energy and keeping the clubhouse loose, all while staying locked in on game strategy is truly impressive.”
Love him or hate him, Friedman is right. Roberts has done a fine job in his tenure in Los Angeles. He's already among the top four in Dodger franchise history in wins and has the highest winning percentage of any manager in American or National League history.
Roberts can only work with the players given to him by the front office, and he's done a stellar job every single season. It's easy to point the finger at Roberts because he's the Dodgers' primary spokesperson.
Sometimes the job entails answering for decisions — trades, free agent signings, lineup changes, relief pitcher availability — over which Roberts has only some control at most. The 51-year-old has always managed within his margin for error. It's hard to see that changing.
Given all the talent on the Dodgers' roster, that margin for error might shrink to its smallest point in 2024. All eyes will be on Roberts to see how he handles the season's most critical moments.
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