Dodgers: Will the Dave Roberts hate ever end?

Here we are. Not even a full week into the offseason, and the Los Angeles Times Sports section is running a poll about whether the Dodgers should retain manager Dave Roberts or not.

We know what they’re doing, though. It’s not like they’re endorsing such a move. They’re merely playing into the anger of the fans, who constantly seem to blame Roberts for any shortcoming.

Did everyone seem to forget Roberts managed this team to 106 wins despite countless issues all year? Mookie Betts was constantly injured. Cody Bellinger had one of the worst regular seasons … ever? Clayton Kershaw missed a third of the year. Corey Seager missed 67 games. Gavin Lux didn’t take a step forward. Matt Beaty played in 120 games. Dustin May was lost to Tommy John. Trevor Bauer.

Then when the postseason arrived, the issues compounded with Max Muncy’s injury, Max Scherzer’s dead arm, and the overuse of Walker Buehler and Julio Urías.

What more do you want from a guy who’s registered a .622 winning percentage (542-329) since taking over in 2016? He also helped break the 32-year World Series drought!

When will Dodgers fans stop hating Dave Roberts?

Just look at where fans placed the blame during the playoffs. The Dodgers’ offense was the main culprit in each and EVERY loss, yet Roberts’ decision to use Urías out of the bullpen in Game 2 of the NLCS drew the most ire by far. It wasn’t even close.

Perhaps the one thing Roberts could’ve done earlier was switch the construction of the lineup with how badly Trea Turner was performing and how poorly Betts and Corey Seager eventually became. But how much of a difference would that have really made? The team averaged four runs per game, and it was even worse than it sounds.

They were shut out twice and scored two or fewer runs a total of SIX times.

Time and time again, fans can’t stand Roberts’ decision making when everyone knows very well that the front office is likely dictating a good portion of what he does. But how can the fans be mad at the front office? Andrew Friedman and Co. are the ones collecting an assortment of All-Stars each and every year. They’re drafting exceptionally well. they’re making shrewd trades.

Why are we not counting Roberts’ successful management of a decimated pitching staff? His bullpen usage in the NL Wild Card Game, three games in the NLDS and three games in the NLCS very much kept the Dodgers alive.

It’s clear how important it is for a manager to act on baseball instincts and win you games when it seems all is lost or save you from plunging into an insurmountable hole. Sometimes Roberts falters in that regard. It happens.

But his overall track record? His relationships with the team’s core players? His baseball knowledge? Not sure who’d be better for this team right now.

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