Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Reacts to Gabe Kapler's Firing in San Francisco
The San Francisco Giants made the shocking decision to relieve manager Gabe Kapler of his duties on Friday. With the visiting Dodgers in town, it added an extra sting to things for Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi.
Zaidi, the former general manager of the Dodgers, hired Kapler to replace future Hall of Fame manager Bruce Bochy in San Francisco ahead of the 2020 season. While the GM in Los Angeles, Zaidi -- along with Andrew Friedman -- had plans of installing Kapler as the manager of the Dodgers over the winter of 2015-2016 but, at the direction of team ownership, was asked to expand the club's managerial search where the front office eventually interviewed and fell in love with Dave Roberts.
Eight years later, Roberts is still at the helm in LA while Kapler has been fired from his second managerial job. The Dodger manager shared his thoughts about the decision before Friday night's game in the bay.
"Certainly a surprise when you consider the timing, but I'm not involved in those internal conversations. But, I think for me, it's a reminder that anything can be taken away. Go out there and do the best you can. Love players, love the game and each day ... I thought Gabe did a good job but obviously they felt they need a different voice and obviously some disappointment in the bay."
While Roberts is looking to navigate his Dodgers to another 100 win season, Kapler's Giants struggled down the stretch and fell out of playoff contention spectacularly in September losing 17 of 25 games before his dismissal.
The Giants are just two seasons removed from the most unlikely 107 win season in baseball history (that's my opinion) and have way more questions than just who's going to run the team in 2025.
