UPDATE: The Dodgers have officially announced the hiring.
Welcome back, Dave! Dave Roberts has been named the 10th manager in Los Angeles Dodger history. #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/Ru3Bb58C51
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 23, 2015
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The latest rumors and reports indicate the Los Angeles Dodgers have hired their next manager. It won't be Gabe Kapler, who was regarded as the favorite throughout the process.
Dave Roberts will reportedly be the next manager of the Dodgers, according to the Los Angeles Times. The two sides are in the process of finalizing a three-year contract, which was reported on Sunday night.
Roberts, 43, previously served as the bench coach of the San Diego Padres before they hired Andy Green as their new manager. The African-American and Japanese-American will now become the first minority manager in Dodgers' franchise history.
Here's the latest from this morning:
Dave Roberts' contract with the #Dodgers is 3-year guarantee with 4th year option. He will be announced today w press conference next week.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 23, 2015
Source: Dave Roberts' deal with the Dodgers is for three years and will include an option for a fourth year.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) November 23, 2015
"He is just as energetic as Kapler, just as positive, but somewhat of a more traditional choice and perhaps a better communicator," writes FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. "Kapler has strong opinions on everything from sabermetrics to diets. Roberts, to be sure, is his own man, but figures to be more restrained in his beliefs."
Roberts was one of many qualified candidates to interview for the position, as previous rumors indicated the Dodgers also spoke with Bud Black, Bob Geren, Darin Erstad, Kirk Gibson, Dave Martinez, Ron Roenicke and Tim Wallach throughout the process.
Roberts was also one of two finalists for the manager job with the Seattle Mariners, but general manager Jerry Dipoto ultimately went with Scott Servais. This will be Roberts' first stint as a manager in the MLB after having served as a coach on the Padres' staff from 2011-2015.
Stay tuned for the Dodgers' official announcement, which is expected to come at some point today.
