The Los Angeles Dodgers took down the Cincinnati Reds in the first game of their Wild Card series at Dodger Stadium, but ahead of the contest, manager Dave Roberts spoke on a shift in his mindset heading into October baseball.
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“I remember in 2020 when we won it,” Roberts told USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, “it was 100% more of a relief. In 2024, it was 100% elation and joy.
“I think that I’ve learned to appreciate the wins more than ever, even the small ones. If I can’t enjoy these wins, there’s just too much negativity around the job.
“If you don’t enjoy the wins, you’re setting yourself up for failure.”
This was the right mindset to have, especially before a game that (as fans have seen repeatedly this month) featured a gem from the starting pitcher that was quickly mired by the bullpen. There was plenty to look down upon after Tuesday’s 59-pitch eighth inning from the bullpen, but as the skipper said, without enjoying the wins, failure is right around the corner.
Even if the score stayed at 10-2 after Blake Snell’s seven dominant innings, the win would still be the first of 13 that the Dodgers need to win a second-consecutive title.
Roberts also spoke on how his life has changed since taking over for LA in 2016 and credited his success to the relationships he has built throughout the organization.
“My quality of life on my job is considerably better now,” Roberts says. “I can say that because after 10 years I’ve built the trust and the relationship with the players, the coaches, and the front office. I just feel the working relationships is as good as it’s ever been.”
Robert’s worst season at the helm in terms of winning percentage is still his first, when the Dodgers only won 91 games and clinched a division title. He has four National League pennants to his name and a pair of World Series rings, but a third Commissioner’s Trophy to add to his resume would put him in elite company.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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2 Responses
Interesting comments by Roberts. While many, including myself, have questioned many of his managerial moves, I for one have no doubts about his passion or motives. Especially in a large market, high budget team, the pressure has to be enormous. It can take a while to settle into a high pressure job, BTDT, though not nearly at that level. But it’s nice to see Dave, as much as I often disagree with him, getting to the point where he’s enjoying the job. That’s the human level.
As a fan, I’ll still scream at the TV or radio when he does or doesn’t make pitching moves that I think are lunacy. But I’ll still wish him well. I’m sure it’s not easy to let your guard down even this far.
I think most managers today would have the same record as Dave if they managed this team.