Since the Los Angeles Dodgers hired Dave Roberts as manager, he’s consistently implored his team and coaches to focus on each day at hand. That approach was particularly beneficial in both of the past two seasons, which saw them play to opposite extremes.
In 2017, the Dodgers pulled away in the summer months behind a historic stretch. They finished with the best record in baseball at 104-58. L.A. reached the World Series for the first time since 1988 but were unable to end their championship drought.
Considered a favorite to win the National League pennant in 2018, the Dodgers struggled mightily. They fell to 10 games below .500 in the middle of May and needed a Game 163 to capture a sixth consecutive NL West title.
The Dodgers again reached the World Series, only to fall short against the Boston Red Sox. With his team now preparing for what they hope is a season that will end with a championship, Roberts continues to stress taking a daily approach, per Mike Lupica of MLB.com:
“We’re talking as little as we can about ’17 and ’18 around here,” Roberts said. “We’re focused on ’19. I keep telling our guys, ‘Think micro.’ Think about this season, a day at a time. Think about the season we’re about to play. If there’s one core message I have, for our players and our staff and our whole organization, it’s simple. 2019 is the core message.”
Several players have been outspoken about the motivation that comes from losing back-to-back World Series. Particularly Justin Turner, who said he’s become somewhat ‘psychotic’ in wanting to help the Dodgers get over the hump.
And while Roberts has taken criticism for some of his in-game management, succeeding in keeping the clubhouse culture upbeat and focused day in and day out undeniably has been a strength of his.
