Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Will Be Next Manager

So much for waiting until the weekend passed to name a manager, huh?

The Los Angeles Dodgers have reportedly hired Dave Roberts — who is now the first minority manager in the franchise’s history.

---

ICYMI: Andy Van Slyke Stirs Up Unneeded Controversy With Kershaw Comments

---

Dylan Hernandez and Bill Shaikin both reported the news.

Here’s Bill:

Dodgers expected to hire Dave Roberts as manager https://t.co/uy6RlrCiAk

— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) November 23, 2015

And here’s Dylan, who appears to have beaten Bill by a minute:

Sources: Dave Roberts will be the #Dodgers‘ next manager https://t.co/JABTVdphRZ

— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) November 23, 2015

Roberts started the hiring process as a dark horse, but blew away the front office with his first interview. It is pretty interesting that Gabe Kapler (widely reported as Andrew Friedman’s person choice) did not get the job, which shows more of an open mind than the general manager tends to get credit for.

I’d imagine we’ll start to hear more news about the coaching staff coming together in the next few days, and it’ll be interesting to see if Kapler stays on either in his current role or a higher propensity.

We had previously heard Rick Honeycutt was given an extension to be the pitching coach, but Friedman later rebutted those reports.

Now, the Dodgers can shift their attention to personnel decisions alongside the manager who will be guiding those players. (My advice: keep that Greinke guy around)

UPDATE:

Bob Nightengale of USA Today tweeted out the contract details for Roberts, here’ what he had to say.

Dave Roberts gets a 3-year deal to be new #Dodgers manager. Press conference expected in a week after Thanksgiving holidays.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 23, 2015

The Dodgers have employed eight managers since Tommy Lasorda. Here’s to hoping Roberts outlasts at least that first contract and sticks around a while.

Nightengale also mentioned several players telling the front office they preferred Roberts, too, so it’s good to see he’ll be starting with at least that type of momentum. Every little bit helps.

NEXT: Dodgers Sign Cuban Prospects