Has Dave Roberts's “Shelf Live” Expired?
In the NBA, they change coaches more than some of you change your underwear. The other day, someone asked me, “ Do you wear boxers or briefs? ” I said, “ Depends …” It also might depend on when you ask about Dave Roberts’s shelf life. This is Doc’s 8th year as the Dodger…
In the NBA, they change coaches more than some of you change your underwear. The other day, someone asked me, “Do you wear boxers or briefs?” I said, “Depends…” It also might depend on when you ask about Dave Roberts’s shelf life. This is Doc’s 8th year as the Dodger Manager, with 661 wins and 388 losses. That’s a .630 winning percentage. Among any manager in baseball history with at least 1,000 games, Dave Roberts is #1 in winning percentage.
In those eight years he finished first in seven of those years, and in the year he did not finish first, he led the team to 106 wins. He has also won two World Series Championships, but the Houston Astros effectively stole one. Would you feel differently about Dave Roberts if the Astros had not cheated?
Riddle me this… would the Dodgers be a better team without Dave Roberts. Yes or no? … and tell me why! Yesterday, a commenter wrote this:
“We need a change of manager for things to change in the clubhouse and dugout. We all know Roberts is not a real manager. And don’t give me that “But our record under him is awesome” crap. The great teams he has had won despite his meddling. Anyone could have managed these Dodgers teams to the same records and a real manager would have won more games.”
–anonymous
The comment is practically dripping with hatred. Is this warranted? Could it be that Dave Roberts is part of the problem… or maybe he is the problem. Has his “shelf life” expired? Would the Dodgers be better with a new manager… and who would you suggest?
Oh, let me also add that Dave Roberts has managed 81 playoff games where he has a .556 winning percentage. Now, before you say anything, understand that Walter Alston managed 44 playoff games and had a .523 winning percentage, while Tommy Lasorda managed 81 playoff games with a .508 winning percentage. The only difference is that Tommy and Walter managed those games in their 20+ years of managing because only two teams went to the playoffs then (the World Series). Dave Roberts has to win several series in the playoffs to get to the World Series, and don’t tell me that isn’t harder – It’s much, much harder, because the odds are against you.
Just for a little perspective, the 2021 Atlanta Braves were 7-9 on April 18th, 2021. On June 30, 2021, they were 38-41 and then went on to win the World Series. I am just putting it out there because it is not how you start – It’s how you finish!
My final question is, “How do you fire the manager with the best winning percentage of all time, and are you prepared for him to manage the Padres?”
“Have a take and do not suck!“ — Jim Rome
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Discussion (182)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Things are suddenly a bit intriguing with Mookie’s daddy break and Taylor’s apparently minor injury.
When the Dodgers first picked up Luke Williams last season, I joked that the “Luke Williams Era” had begun, because there was little reason to think the new UT option would make a big impact.
Then again, Williams sort of fit the profile of the marginal big leaguer in their 20s that Justin Turner, Chris Taylor and Muncy all had been before they got into the Dodgers brought them in and helped them morph i nto stars.
Could Williams raise his game? So far, he’s been a beast at OKC, mostly playing SS. Rojas is starting today, but I hope Williams gets a chance to show what he can do before he’s shipped back to OKC. The roster needs another quality UT instead of an OF surplus. (Williams can play OF too.)
This early part of the season should be a talent assessment. The rookies are doing well, and the vets are mostly performing as expected, which includes Rojas’s weak offense. Within a few days, Mookie, Taylor and Smith should all be back.
Roberts should make sure that Williams gets to show his abilities. Both Rojas and Taylor are struggling. What if Williams turns out to be the better option?
Growing a red beard would help! Too early for no hitter talk?
Mark
My email ericsweetness@gmail.com talk to me. I’m opening myself up to email attacks but I can just delete them. I’m not a guy that takes punches and just stands there and I’m not a guy that takes punches and stands there and rides off into the sunset never to be seen again.
Well Eric, I don’t think Roberts finds you very sweet! And I’m pretty sure Mark has all of our emails.
Luke, May the Force be with you!
Luke I am not your Father.
When the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of change… you change!
The clock is ticking, Eric.
Hopefully the season doesn’t look so already lost as some seemed to express above before tonight’s game. Dodgers will get hot before the weather does.
I just looked at the box score as the game ended and noted the following:
5 – 192
6 – 186
7 – 171
8 – 125
9 – 045
While I agree with Mark the sample size is still small this far into the season but WTF, while I am not necessarily a Dave Robert’s fan as a manager – who in hell can expect to usually win with those types of numbers.
I am hoping if nothing changes in another 10 or so games that they start giving the players in the minors a chance as they cannot do any worse!
Outside of the 6 hitter everyone is on the back side of their career.