The Los Angeles Dodgers’ search for Don Mattingly’s replacement has included expected names in team director of player development Gabe Kapler, coaches Ron Roenicke and Tim Wallach, and former San Diego Padres manager Bud Black.
However, the Dodgers’ due diligence has also resulted in some surprises such as, former Arizona Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson, University of Nebraska head coach Darin Erstad and Padres bench coach Dave Roberts among those to interview for the managerial vacancy in Los Angeles.
Roberts’ interview has reportedly led to him overtaking Kapler as the favorite to replace Don Mattingly. However, should Roberts, who spent two and a half seasons with the Dodgers, not get hired, it may not necessarily mean he’s isn’t part of the organization.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports, the 43 year old could join the Dodgers as a bench coach or other role:
Dave Roberts has blown the #Dodgers away in his managerial interview, and if he doesn't get the job, he'll at least be the bench coach.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 4, 2015
Roberts is most notably recognized for his steal of second base off New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series in 2004. Roberts went on to score the game-tying run, the Red Sox won in 12 innings, and came back from a 3-0 series deficit.
Their postseason run ended with a World Series title. Although Roberts does not have any managerial experience, he’s been a coach for five seasons. He was the Padres first base coach from 2010-13, and spent the last two years as bench coach.
Roberts did manage one game after Bud Black’s firing, then gave way to Pat Murphy, who was promoted from the Minors to serve as interim manager.
Roberts played parts of 10 seasons in the Majors with the Cleveland Indians (1999-2001), Dodgers (2002-04), Red Sox (2004), Padres (2005-06) and San Francisco Giants (2007-08).
