The larger the spotlight, the bigger the scrutiny. It’s a harsh truth to swallow, but for years, Dave Roberts has lived this reality. He has been one of the most scrutinized managers in baseball. From his every bullpen call to lineup deduction, everything has been debated. But when the dust settles, one thing is certain: the man wins.

Reports of the Dodgers handing Dave Roberts a historic extension, making him only the highest-paid manager in MLB, was a sweet validation. And the news spread like wildfire. But Dodgers president Stan Kasten poured water all over it with his response: “We haven’t reported that.”

Wait, what?

On Monday, Jon Heyman confirmed that Roberts and the Dodgers agreed to a four-year extension worth around $8 million per year which is $34.2 million. Sure it’s a huge deal, and given Roberts’ resume, it makes all the more sense. He has two World Series titles, four National League pennants, eight division championships, and a .627 winning percentage. The highest of any manager with at least 1000 games. Ever since he joined the LA Dodgers, he has taken the team to the postseason.

Yeah! If anyone deserves the pay, it’s him!

Kasten was even asked if Dave Roberts can keep this job as long as he wants. Then again, Kasten was noncommittal: “Who knows about that? Given the state of sports and the state of managers, we’re really happy to have Dave.”

Roberts has been with the franchise for nearly a decade now – quite long! But whether or not an extension and the amount has been cut remains to be seen. One thing is for sure, Roberts knows his worth—and he will have plenty of takers!

Dave Roberts fires back on the championship questions

The champagne had barely dried and the confetti was barely off the grass when questions were raised on the Los Angeles Dodgers win. Nestor Cortes, the New York Yankees pitcher, wasn’t convinced of the team’s strength. After the Dodgers claimed the World title, he made headlines claiming that his team was the better one.

Well, never mind the fact that the Dodgers had taken the series in just five games. Never mind the walk-off grand slam by Freddie Freeman in Game 1 that sent the stadium into a complete frenzy. The Yankees in Cortes’s eye are the better team.

Dave Roberts heard it all.

But here comes the kicker: “I still feel we were the better team, and the best team won” said Roberts.

That’s Dave Roberts, the master manager—calm, composed, and just confident.

And right now, too, he is confident because the Dodgers didn’t simply sit back and admire the rings and trophy. They added key players to their rotation like Blake Snell and even managed to clinch Roki Sasaki, whose recent performance has everyone in a chokehold. They are loaded and going to come back stronger.

As for the Yankees, things are not looking great with their bullpen growing thinner by the week. From third base to their ace, they are looking bleak. Did Nestor Cortes jinx it?