It’s often said that a Major League Baseball team takes on the personality of its manager. One look at the Los Angeles Dodgers and it’s relatively clear their manager is Dave Roberts.
Roberts was a grinder, didn’t hit many home runs, but stole 243 bases in his 10-year career. While the Dodgers have embodied their manager’s never-quit attitude and upbeat outlook no matter the challenges ahead, the roster generally lacks the speed Roberts had.
Los Angeles ranks 26th in baseball with 33 stolen bases, while being caught 20 times. They do, however, run the bases well on balls in play and on sacrifices.
Baserunning came to a head in Wednesday’s loss to the Philadelphia Phillies when the Dodgers ran themselves out of the sixth inning.
With runners on the corners, Roberts called for a double steal. Corey Seager broke for second base and began to retreat after Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz threw down.
Josh Reddick then started for home, but late, and was caught in a rundown. According to J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group, Reddick took ownership of not being prepared for that type of play:
“It’s been a long time since I’ve had an attempt at one of those,” Reddick said. “It was kind of uncomfortable for me, but I’ve got to make an adjustment and be better at that. Once I see him throw the ball to second, I’ve got to go. It’s a matter of learning, adapting and adjusting to that kind of play. I’ll get my work in on it. I won’t make that mistake again.”
Prior to being traded to the Dodgers, Reddick spent his entire Major League career in the American League. He was with the Boston Red Sox from 2009-2011, and Oakland Athletics from 2012-2016.
Reddick is just 4-for-32 (.125) with four runs scored since joining the Dodgers. A victim of bad luck over that time, Reddick did record his first multi-hit game on Wednesday, going 2-for-5 from the two hole.
