The Los Angeles Dodgers’ road trip has continued with a stop at Wrigley Field for a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs. The matchup is notable in that L.A. is getting their first look at Joc Pederson in another uniform.
Another member of the Cubs with ties to the Dodgers is manager David Ross, who spent the first three seasons of his playing career with the storied franchise. He was teammates with fellow skipper Dave Roberts during that time, as the two developed a friendship and still remain close to this day.
“I never would’ve thought or imagined people calling him ‘Poppa Ross,’ ‘Poppa Rosy’ or whatever they call him. ‘Grandpa Rossy,'” Roberts jokingly said of Ross.
“I knew him as a kid and he was always enthusiastic, energetic, positive and a big sponge. The veterans — Adrian Beltre, Shawn Green and myself — we really took him under our wing and in baseball terms, kind of raised him.
“Just to see how he’s evolved as a ballplayer, as a manager, as a celebrity on ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ the guy has a book out. It’s just crazy all the things that he’s accomplished. I’m just really excited and happy for him.”
Since becoming the Cubs manager at the end of the 2019 season, Ross occasionally has sought advice from Roberts. “I have,” Roberts answered when asked if he still talks to Ross.
“It’s a small fraternity and we look out for each other. There’s a lot of tings he’s asked about, but there’s some trade secrets you want to kind of not divulge everything because we are competitors.
“He’s got a great group of coaches, Jed Hoyer and I are really good friends. He’s a part of an organization. He’s going to have success. Obviously the players love him, adore him, respect him.
“That’s a huge thing. I think for me, just to have a friend of mine that’s a manager, just really satisfying.”
Dodgers looking to avoid sweep
After the series opener was rained out, the Dodgers and Cubs played a split doubleheader on Tuesday. L.A. was swept in the two games, falling in the nightcap in extra innings. They now need a win to avoid being swept in a series for the first time this season.
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