Dodgers Interview: Roberts Says Current Success “Started in Spring Training”
LOS ANGELES — Dave Roberts has been here before. A win away from the World Series. He gave the media a peek into where his team is at as they go for an NLCS sweep of the Brewers on Friday night.
“It started in spring training with this year’s club, being prepared for this moment,” Roberts said. “It doesn’t matter the circumstance. We have a certain way of approaching each day.” He kept the lens narrow. “From the first game of the postseason to being up 3-0, it doesn’t change our outlook on today. We’re trying to play good baseball and win a game. Those guys aren’t going to lay down and we need Sho to pitch well today and get some timely hitting and put these guys away.”
The roles behind the stars are set, even when they are quiet. “Justin Dean has a defined role,” Roberts said. “He has a plus skill set to play center field and having him there makes our outfield defense better. If there’s a chance to have him bat, it’s probably unlikely, but it’s not impossible. He raises the floor for our defense.”
Repeating is its own kind of pressure, yet Roberts separated the noise from the task. “Winning last year was more pressurized,” he said. “You can’t win the second one until you win the first one. We’re very focused on winning this year. It’s a different ball club. Our only concern is win this year.” On the injury maze the club navigated, he leaned on preparation. “It’s more by design,” he said. “Luck in the sense none of those injuries were season-ending. We had to be cautious and take a chance on having guys come back to full health. I credit the organization for the depth to overcome it and the staff for allowing players to get healthy at the right time.”
There are critics. Roberts did not flinch. “We’re in a big market. We’re expected to win,” he said when asked about ‘buying’ a title. “Our ownership puts revenue back into players, a big chunk of it, which is the way it should be. That’s what sports fans want, to get the best of their team. I think we do as good a job as anyone.”
History can wait, even if the numbers invite it. “It could be remarkable,” Roberts said of possibly winning three titles in six seasons. “It’s amazing to be looked at in that vein, but we’re focused on this year and let the reflection happen later. Right now we’re in the mode of getting the job done.”
The bullpen card is ready if needed. “Roki is available tonight. He’s ready,” Roberts said. If the series ends, the plan for the layoff will come later. “We’ve had experience with that. I don’t know yet. Nothing is guaranteed. If that happens, I’ll get with the staff and figure out the best way to prepare. Right now I’m just thinking about winning tonight.”
Roberts keeps one old lesson close. “It’s better to be up 3–0 than down 3–0,” he said when reminded of his famous steal. “Anything’s possible. You still have to play out the series. We have the mind to put these guys away tonight, play our best baseball, and not give them any hope. I definitely don’t want history to repeat itself.”
On Mookie Betts at shortstop, the admiration is real. “We needed it,” Roberts said. “We flipped Gavin Lux to second and Mookie was open and willing to help the ball club. Seeing where he’s at now and trusting him in any spot, I marvel at it. He never made an excuse, kept playing defense, and wrote his season offensively. It’s a lot of talent and high character. There’s a reason he has three rings and a bunch of hardware.”
And then there is Shohei Ohtani, who takes the ball with a sweep on the table. “Very confident,” Roberts said. “This is his opportunity to make his mark on this series. We’re going to see his best effort. There’s going to be serious focus and compete tonight.” Any limits. “No limitations,” Roberts said. “He’s built up to throw seven innings. If it looks right, I feel comfortable getting him to 100 pitches.”
If there was a turn in the regular season, Roberts pointed to one trip. “That Baltimore series was a point where we started playing better baseball,” he said. “We tightened some things up. From that time the win-loss has been really good and the quality has been really good.”
Same message, one win away. “We’re trying to play good baseball and win a game,” Roberts said.
We hope so, too.
Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
