When the Los Angeles Dodgers were eliminated in the National League Division Series, the general assumption from most was the offseason would bring about necessary changes.
While there were calls for the Dodgers to part with manager Dave Roberts, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman emphatically dismissed the possibility. “Frankly, I was surprised by the question,” he said at last month’s press conference.
“The whole thing is focusing on how we get to winning those 11 games in October, and in our mind Dave is absolutely a part of that and is an additive part of doing that.”
Albeit to a lesser extent, Friedman’s future with the organization was also in question as his five-year contract expired. In addition to defending Roberts, Friedman indicated he and the Dodgers were in the final stages of agreeing on a new contract for himself.
More than one month later that’s yet to be signed. Nevertheless, Friedman recently maintained there is no cause for concern, per Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times
“There’s an understanding,” Friedman said. “We just haven’t gotten there yet because of everything else going on.”
One reason for the delay was attributed to Friedman recovering from the flu. His comments came during the annual General Managers meetings, which the Dodgers attended without a designated member filling that role. They have gone without a GM since Farhan Zaidi accepted the president of baseball operations position with the San Francisco Giants.
In the wake of his departure, the Dodgers have relied on a combination of vice president of baseball operations Josh Byrnes, vice president and assistant general manager Brandon Gomes, director of baseball operations Alex Slater and vice president and assistant general manager Jeff Kingston.
As for Friedman, his standing within the organization has long appeared to be secure. In September, Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten said he was absolutely certain Friedman would continue in his role beyond 2019.
Under Friedman’s direction the Dodgers have extended their streak of NL West titles to seven in a row, won at least 91 games in each of the past two seasons and set a franchise record with 106 wins this year, among other accomplishments.
Of course, this winter and into next season he will work toward ending their championship drought that has now stretched to 31 years.
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