Dave Roberts’ extension comments may not sell Dodgers fans on done deal

It seems there may be an apology owed to Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, because some fans didn’t believe him weeks back when he said his contract extension with the team would get done despite there being no developments of the two sides talking.

But now we’ve heard from the same source again (Roberts!) who confirmed he’s speaking with the organization about remaining manager beyond the 2022 season.

At first, based on how Roberts’ deal aligned with a number of the Dodgers’ core players, it seemed logical for a natural parting of the ways to occur should there be a scenario where LA opted to start back at square one.

Perhaps it’s irresponsible to read into this development, but does Roberts revealing this news suggest the Dodgers are going to attempt to keep the magic alive with this current group of players (for the most part) beyond 2022-2023?

Dave Roberts commented on a potential extension with the Dodgers

Or are the “talks” just a way of the Dodgers showing their respect to one of the best managers in franchise history before moving on when they feel the time is right?

“We’ve begun talks. We’re talking as we speak,” Roberts told Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. “I just hope that we can come to an agreement.”

That last part leads us to believe there’s some doubt that an agreement might not be reached, which makes sense because it’s taken this long for negotiations to even begin despite the entire offseason being devoid of player signings and trades. The Dodgers had all the time in the world to get this done (if they really wanted to) without other distractions and seemingly chose not to.

At the same time, it kind of insane to think about Roberts entering the year as a lame duck if extension talks were tabled.

There’s no denying what Roberts has managed to achieve ever since taking over the job before the 2016 season. However, there’s also no denying the Dodgers’ front office’s role in player acquisition and development as well as its (assumed) influence in making the lineups and determining pitching matchups. The system and philosophy both work.

On the flip side, there’s yet to be proof of it working without Roberts, who appears to be a master liaison between the guys upstairs and the personalities in the clubhouse. A situation of unknowns … and just like that, those who don’t exactly approve of Roberts now might be wondering what better options are out there.

Dave Roberts breaks silence on contract situation with Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts seems to be confident about getting a contract extension before the 2022 season. Interesting.