LOS ANGELES - Dave Roberts is well aware of the spotlight shining on his Dodgers squad and has a clear vision for how he wants the team to handle it. With back-to-back titles under their belt and a roster stacked with talent, the buzz around a potential three-peat is deafening. Yet, the Dodgers manager is calm, excited, and ready to kick off the season.
Handling the Pressure
When asked about the pressure of chasing such a rare achievement, Roberts kept it simple: “At this moment, very minimal. Just more excitement today to get going.
Our players are excited.” His message was clear-focus on the game at hand and keep the chatter to a minimum.
Roberts wants his players zeroed in on winning each day, letting the outside world handle the history talk.
This straightforward approach extended to his expectations for Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Opening Day. Roberts was clear: “Just do what he does.
Get ahead, use his entire pitch mix, put us in a position to win, and compete.” It’s classic Roberts-calm, confident, and drama-free about a pitcher he trusts.
Three-peat Talk and Embracing the Villain Role
Roberts acknowledged the challenge of ignoring the three-peat conversation, admitting it will ebb and flow throughout the year. “I think it will probably go in waves,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of staying present and focused on each game. The buzz is a testament to the position the Dodgers have earned, and Roberts sees it as a positive.
In a lighter moment, Roberts addressed the idea of the Dodgers as baseball’s villains. He laughed and embraced it, saying, “If they said that we’re the bad guys, that’s self-proclaimed.
I guess I’m going to embrace it. People like a villain, and I guess that’s respect in some way.”
When told he’s too nice to be a villain, Roberts quipped, “I like to think I’m a nice guy, except when I’m playing. Then I’ve got enough friends.”
It’s Roberts at his best-honest, relaxed, and with a playful edge.
Roster Assessment
Roberts didn’t hold back in praising his roster, calling it the best he’s had during his tenure. “I just feel really confident with this team.
I’m really excited about these guys.” However, he remained grounded when discussing win totals.
“It’s possible,” he said about chasing 116 wins, “but that’s certainly not our North Star for this year.” The Dodgers are aware of their talent, but they aren’t fixated on regular-season numbers.
Reflecting on his growth, Roberts shared advice he’d give his 2016 self: “Don’t take things personal. Enjoy it.
Enjoy every moment. And trust your players.”
It’s a snapshot of the manager he’s become-experienced, trusting, and with a keen perspective on the long season ahead.
Confidence in His Team
By the end of the session, Roberts exuded the confidence Dodgers fans crave. He’s relaxed, focused on the immediate task, and aware of the towering expectations. His message was consistent: enjoy Opening Day, lock in for the first pitch, and play baseball.