Since being hired as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers in November 2015, Dave Roberts has developed a strong reputation for being a good communicator and uplifting presence in the clubhouse and dugout.
“He’s been great for us since the first day he put on the Dodger uniform as our manager,” Justin Turner said late last year. “He’s a positive guy, he loves the game, he loves his players. We love going out and competing for him.
“I can’t say enough about him and what he’s done. We’re going to do everything we can to go out and win him another championship.”
Roberts and Turner share a particularly close relationship, but the Dodgers’ manager is held in high regard by all throughout the organization.
Of course, with the MLB lockout now two months long, Roberts hasn’t been able to communicate with any players during the offseason. That’s created an unusual feeling, but Roberts, the front office and coaches have kept in contact and he’s eager for business to resume, via an interview with Kirsten Watson on SportsNet LA:
“It’s been different, certainly with the lockout. This is a time where I really connect with the players and try to get the vibe of how things are going, talk to them about Spring Training and how their offseason is going. Right now we can’t talk to the players, so that’s been different. Connected with the coaches and front office guys, so I’m certainly getting antsy.”
MLB and the Players Association met again on Tuesday, but all indications are progress again was not achieved. As more days continue to pass without a new collective bargaining agreement in place, the more likely it becomes Spring Training will be delayed.
Roberts, Dodgers celebrated Jackie Robinson
Earlier this week, Roberts and the Dodgers hosted softball and baseball players from John Muir High School for a celebration at Dodger Stadium in honor of Jackie Robinson. The event was held on what would have been Robinson’s 103rd birthday.
His son, David Robinson, spoke with the young athletes via Zoom.
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