Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Addresses Clubhouse Complacency Compared to Late Last Season
As the Dodgers season continues, the team seems to be getting better. They are currently on a nine-game winning streak, and everything is clicking for them.
In what was supposedly going to be a step-back season for LA, the team hasn’t wavered and has kept winning. It’s quite an impressive feat considering all the talent that they lost over the offseason.
The mixture of young talent infused with the veterans on this roster has allowed LA to thrive this season. They have some new voices in the clubhouse as well, giving them a different feel from past teams.
But it also seems like this team is motivated by the bitter defeat in the postseason last year. It’s something that certainly weighs on the minds of the players still on the roster, including manager Dave Roberts.
“I think it’s a combo. Last year was certainly a sour note that I believe a lot of people in that room still feel. I certainly do. Albeit, it’s a different year, there’s a lot of new personalities, ballplayers that I think are just as hungry and the character is off the charts. That’s why it’s easy for me to bet that complacency won’t come into our clubhouse.”
Per SNLA
Guys like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith and others are still here from last season, but this is a new group of players. They have a new mindset together and are motivated to win as a team.
The team has dealt with adversity throughout the season, helping them get to this point. They have now built a solid lead in the NL West division, which gives them some cushion down the stretch. Of course, LA can’t be satisfied until they reach their goals, but Roberts doesn’t seem worried.
“It’s hard not to say it doesn’t change the mood. I think, obviously, you feel better when you’re in first place. But I do think that the overall mindset to get better each day hasn’t wavered… I’m going to watch guys workloads but we’re trying to win every game — that’s clear. But you really gotta be careful about complacency and I believe that this group won’t fall victim to that.”
Per SNLA
This club has a different feel to them. They have found multiple ways to win games this year, and it feels like they are never out of any game.
It’s a special feeling to have as a team and shows how much they have grown this season.
The Dodgers could be a very tough out come playoff time if they continue to play at a high level. Plus, adding in the fact that they could be getting some key players back in the mix as well from injury, the sky is the limit.
At this point, LA needs to sharpen its skills and get ready for the postseason. They can’t take their foot off the pedal, but getting a consistent rotation together will be key. The stretch run is on, and things are about to get really fun.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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