Dodgers News: 'This is My Favorite Team I've Ever Had,' Roberts Breaks Down What's Working for LA in 2023
It seems like year in and year out the Dodgers always seem to produce really good teams.
In all but one of Dave Roberts' years as manager of the ball club, the Dodgers have won the NL West.
He's made three World Series appearances, and won one of them.
But this year, Roberts says that the group of guys in the clubhouse tops the list of favorite teams he's ever had. Not because of the success they've enjoyed on the field, but because of the clubhouse culture.
“I love this club. I mean, I really love it. It’s as tight-knit group as I’ve seen. It’s a very unselfish group. When I’m asking pitcher to pitch in various roles, and for hitters to play in different roles, and for guys to whatever it takes to win a ballgame, that is being a good teammate. I’ve got 26 of those guys."
via Bob Nightengale / USA Today
Coming in to the season, there were definitely questions about how the Dodgers would perform after the loss of some key role players like Justin Turner, Cody Bellinger and Trea Turner, but the team has kind of put their blinders on and have found ways to produce from very unlikely spots.
But despite the naysayers, Roberts backs his team, and says that they just know what it takes, and that's what he loves about them.
"There were low expectations outside our clubhouse, but I will tell you this: 'Good teams find ways to win.' Conversely, there are teams that just don’t know how to win."
Dave Roberts via USA Today's Bob Nightengale
Roberts has said a lot of controversial things during his time as the Dodgers' manager, like calling his shot to win the World Series last year.
But this seems mild for Dave Roberts. He's just speaking the truth.
The record in August speaks for itself.
The Dodgers are 11-1 since the trade deadline, and an amazing 18-8 during the second half of the season.
It really is true that the Dodgers are, as Bob Nightengale put it, "built different."
