After his team was eliminated from the National League Baseball Division Series, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had to retract his prediction from last spring.
• Also read: Disbelief in the Dodgers
The former player said in training camp that his men would win the World Series this year. They certainly played like the champions in the regular season, holding a record of 111-51, the best in the major leagues. However, you will see the San Diego Padres finish their aspirations in a best-of-five series.
Questioned by The Los Angeles Times, Roberts defended himself for putting too much pressure on his squad.
“I don’t regret it,” he said. I think it showed how much I believe in these players and this organization. I don’t think my words spoken in camp in October had any impact. Words are powerful, but mine are not so powerful.”
“I’m not going to guarantee anything next year. On the other hand, my hopes for this team remain so high.”
For his part, Dodgers President Andrew Friedman defended that his coach was the subject of some criticism.
“I don’t think those comments about Dave were fair,” he said at a news conference earlier in the week.
Roberts has been in charge since 2016 and has consistently guided the club into the playoffs. He held a stellar record of 653-380.