After another year in which they failed to win a postseason series, the Los Angeles Dodgers underwent significant changes. The organization and former manager Don Mattingly mutually agreed to go their separate ways, and Zack Greinke bolted for Arizona, signing a six-year, $206.5 million contract with the Diamondbacks.
Los Angeles didn’t replace Greinke by signing or trading for another bonafide ace, but instead improved the depth of the rotation by signing Scott Kazmir and Kenta Maeda. Tasked with getting the club over the postseason hump is Dave Roberts.
Under Mattingly the Dodgers won three consecutive National League West division titles for the first time in franchise history, and posted three straight seasons with at least 90 wins for the first time since 1976-78.
Despite the success, Los Angeles only reached the NL Championship Series once under Mattingly. As a first-year manager, Roberts certainly inherits a team that comes with high pressure and lofty expectations.
A handful of days away from the start of his first camp as manager, the 43-year-old UCLA product hopes to establish a strong relationship within the roster, according to Andy McCullough of the LA Times:
“The No. 1 goal … is for us … to create an unbreakable bond within the group,” Roberts said over breakfast at a cafe in Carlsbad. “Where no distractions … get us away from staying together … or getting our focus off track.”
The hiring of Roberts was a landmark decision as he’s the first minority manager in Dodgers franchise history. Although it’s a label that’s been placed on him, he has regularly stated he won’t be defined by it. “I am who I am. I’m transparent,” Roberts said at his introductory press conference.
Roberts has been universally lauded for his ability to connect with others and establish trust, which the Dodgers are expecting to be key in their quest for their first World Series title since 1988.
