Sandy Koufax Approves of Dave Roberts’ Job as Dodgers Manager
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has recently earned the approval of Hall of Fame Dodgers pitcher Sandy Koufax. Roberts, like many coaches and managers across sports, has come under scrutiny at various points during his tenure as a manager with Los Angeles.
Roberts certainly received some flack when the Dodgers exited during the first round of the playoffs each of the last two seasons, including getting swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks just one year ago. Earlier in the 2024 MLB postseason, Roberts received some criticism for leaving struggling pitchers in games when they were trailing the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series.
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Roberts has since been the recipient of greater praise, particularly after the Dodgers came back to defeat the Padres in the NLDS to advance to the NL Championship Series. Roberts earned praise for his decisions with an injured rotation and bullpen, leading to the Dodgers tying the record for most consecutive scoreless innings pitched in the postseason.
Roberts was asked last week if Koufax has told him to keep his starters longer in games, but Roberts said that this time around, Koufax offered him a “good job” for his efforts in the postseason.
“We’ve had that conversation in years past, but I think right now he gave me a ‘good job.’ He gave me a ‘you’re doing all right,'” Roberts said.
Koufax is, of course, one of the greatest Dodgers in the history of the franchise as well as one of the greatest pitchers of all time. Over his 11-year career, Koufax made seven MLB All-Star teams, won the Cy Young award three times, led the National League in ERA five times, and pitched four no-hitters.
Koufax was possibly even more dominant during the postseason, where he won four World Series with the Dodgers and was a two-time World Series MVP.
Since he took over as manager in 2015, Roberts has led the Dodgers to one World Series win and now four World Series appearances. While he doesn’t have a player like Koufax leading the rotation, he’s been able to manage some great games this October, especially with his pitching staff.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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