Since revamping the front office to the 2015 season and one year later the coaching staff, the Los Angeles Dodgers have seen drastic improvements both on and off the field.
The club is coming off its first World Series appearance in nearly three decades after winning a Major League-best 104 games during the regular season. Furthermore, Los Angeles has participated in back-to-back National League Championship Series, and are well-suited to return for a third consecutive year.
In addition to their success on the field, the Dodgers have completely changed their clubhouse culture since the arrivals of president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, general manager Farhan Zaidi and manager Dave Roberts.
Kenley Jansen recently credited Roberts and the front office for taking the necessary steps to reshaping the environment, via Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
“It’s a totally different clubhouse now,” said Jansen. “Give credit to Andrew [Friedman], Farhan [Zaidi], Stan Kasten and Doc [Dave Roberts]. Doc’s been the mentor for us, and it’s changed the whole culture and everybody’s like family. We fight together and win together.”
Under the guidance of Roberts, the Dodgers have adapted a family-like atmosphere in the clubhouse. Previous feuds between certain players no longer exist, as evidenced by Matt Kemp and Yasiel Puig’s new friendship by the help of Jansen.
Earlier this month, Friedman noted that Kemp is fitting in well with the team and admitted there’s an increasingly likely scenario that he remains in the organization.
Furthermore, Roberts has preached the importance of a team-first mentality. Rather than just a handful of superstars taking the spotlight, the Dodgers pride themselves with the contributions of all 25 players on the roster.
And for those who are considered the team’s leaders — Jansen, Clayton Kershaw, Justin Turner and Chase Utley — they further carry out Roberts’ vision and mentality, as opposed to seeking praise for individual accomplishments.
