Looking up to the Dodgers is the typical view for the San Diego Padres, whether it is in the NL West standings, or metaphorically as “…the dragon up the freeway we’re trying to slay,” according to Padres owner Peter Seidler (August 7, 2022). If not slay, then wishing to emulate the Dodgers long history of success.

What is it that continues to keep the Padres looking up as they are currently trail the Dodgers by 10.0 games in the 2023 National League West regular season standings? There is no doubt that both teams have some of the best players in the game today. Perhaps a better use of analytics? Defensive alignments? Effective execution of pitching and hitting game plans? Or, is it a more nuanced factor that cannot be quantified, but is well known in all group sports — team play opposed to individual play?

Team chemistry, camaraderie, esprit de corps, ‘We Are Family’ are explanations commonly used to describe team performances that are greater than the sum of the parts. Whatever it is, the Dodgers have it and the Padres don’t. Therein lies the difference between the two franchises; the Padres appear to play the game as a group of individuals while the Dodgers perform together as a team.

One may disagree with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts‘ strategies, batting orders, or pitching choices, but he has consistently demonstrated the ability to mold a group of individual players into a cohesive team. The 2023 season may be Roberts finest performance as the team’s on-field leader. The Dodgers lead the NL West by four games, notwithstanding injuries that have decimated the pitching staff and ended the season for shortstop Gavin Lux.

Roberts’ patience and support for the players is second to none in MLB. He may be ignored by the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) for 2023 NL manager of the year, but make no mistake, Dave Roberts should be looked-up-to for his managerial leadership, and is deserving of the award and recognition.

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