Judging by the many replies on social media (which is always a risky proposition at best), it appears that 53-year-old Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is losing popularity among the Dodger faithful. Here are a few of the (cleaner) examples following his team’s ugly 5-1 loss to the division-rival San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Saturday evening:
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“i need someone to believe in me the way dave roberts believes in michael conforto.”
“Dave Roberts is the most overrated manager of all time I might as well do the job.”
“Ive never been a big Dave Roberts fan, particularly because of how he handles the pitchers. But tonight takes the cake. Why pinch hit Conforto, who is having a stunningly ridiculously bad season?! And he hit for the guy that had 1 of our only 2 hits tonight?! Done.”
“He should listen to himself “how can I help the team win” …. How about not trotting out an automatic out in Conforto everyday.”
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When SportsNet LA’s David Vassegh informed Roberts that both Dodgers catcher Will Smith and utility infielder Miguel Rojas told him: “…you guys have to be better at making in-game adjustments,” Roberts responded:
“Um, I agree with what they’re saying. I think it sort of, you know, this time of the season, um, it’s not about the mechanics, your swing, um, it’s about how can I help the team win, and, um, you know, find a way to move the line forward, get hits, spoil pitches, compete,” Roberts began. “And, um, there’s a different level of trying. You know, everyone’s trying, um, but I think that just the next level of going with whatever swing you have that particular night and fighting, and willing yourself to get some hits, get on base, ah, create innings, and score runs. It’s not a lack of talent, um, it’s certainly not a lack of try, but, you know, we gotta do more.”
(SportsNet LA)
Roberts’ team did not “…do more.” In fact, his team managed only two hits – a wasted single to right by Rojas with one out in the top of the sixth, and a solo home run to right-center with one out in the top of the eighth by 24-year-old (today) utility infielder Alex Freeland. It was the Louisville, KY native and Dodgers third-round draft pick in 2022 out of the University of Central Florida’s second career home run and second in as many days.
Dodgers only run on Saturday. (SportsNet LA)
With Saturday’s loss, Roberts’ team now trails the National League West first-place San Diego Padres by one full game.
“We know we are more than capable of putting better at-bats and more hits together. It wasn’t a good night for us.”
(SportsNet LA)
Yes, it wasn’t.
Play Ball!
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