October 12th, 2023 at 8:00 am 
by Ron Cervenka It will be the topic of barroom discussions from now until the end of time … or at least until Opening Day 2024 on March 28, especially among Dodgers fans.
The Facts:
Lance Lynn, the Dodgers starting pitcher for Game-3 of the 2023 National League Division Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix on Wednesday evening, gave up four solo home runs in the bottom of the third inning to give Dbacks manager Torey Lovullo‘s team an early 4-0 lead over Dodgers manager Dave Roberts‘ team.
The Question (asked by LA Times Dodgers beat writer Jack Harris and in the minds of many Dodgers fans):
“Dave, what do you think happened to Lance in that inning, and did you… was there consideration to come out and get him after one of the earlier home runs, or kinda how did that kind of play out?”
The Answer (verbatim):
“Ahh, no. You know, I thought, you know, you throw two scoreless (innings), I thought he was mixing well, umm, and then he gives up the homer to (Geraldo) Perdomo, and then he gets a grounder, and then, ahh, the (Ketel) Marte homer, so, you know, you’re still in the third inning, 2-0, then he gets (Tommy) Pham, I think, on a 6-to-3, 4-to-3, something like that, so, you know, you got two outs and, you know, a low pitch count, and…and figure that this run of righthand hitters, you know, you gotta be able to navigate it somewhat with two outs, nobody on base, and then two homers later, you’re down 4-0. So, you know, I had some guys ready, obviously, but I’m just, you know, I can’t predict the future. So, it’s like, I try to not be reactionary and get ahead of things, but I… I just can’t predict the future. And so, you know, the way he was throwing the baseball, I don’t… I didn’t expect that.”
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Although Roberts’ team did manage to score two runs on back-to-back RBI singles by pinch-hitter (and replacement outfielder) Chris Taylor and utility infielder/outfielder Kiké Hernández in the top of the seventh-inning, Dbacks pitchers and their flawless defense prevented the Dodgers from adding to those two runs, thereby losing three straight to Arizona to be eliminated from postseason play.
“Yeah, the regular season I think we do a great job, but umm, ahh, the last couple postseasons, it just hasn’t gone well for us, and so, you know, I gotta figure it out,” Roberts added.
Worthy of note: Lynn is currently in the second year of his two-year/$38 million contract, with the Dodgers holding a team option for 2024.
Pretty sure we all know what this means.
Play Ball!
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Addendum:
Comments are always welcome, however those the contain profanity or personally attack others will be deleted.
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Posted in 
I think that Lance Lynn is done pitching for the dodgers and Dave Roberts should be replaced for someone that could make much better and quicker decisions on managing the team. Otherwise we will see the same thing happening next year and beyond.
This guy Roberts doesn’t have a clue. I’m screaming at my tv last night, “Get him out of there” “Get him out of there.”
He leaves pitchers in too long. Takes them out too early. There are so many MLB managers that get so much from so little talent. Roberts whose team is loaded with talent can’t figure out how to get them ready for the playoffs. Compare him against Lasorda and you’ll realize Roberts has to go.
Who replaces Mr. Roberts? Any ideas besides Chase?
Emotionally I get how you all feel. I’m bummed too. However, I think Dave Roberts did an amazing job this year with the players he was given and the ridiculous amount of injuries this team suffered. I actually think that Dave did a superb job managing in this playoff round in spite of the fact that they didn’t win. You can’t blame the manager every time the players fail. The starting pitching, as well as the offense fell on their respective faces in this series.
I expect next year with the return of players to the starting pitching staff and the return of Lux as well as whatever mover the front office makes, the Dodgers WITH Dave Roberts will be a much better team next year.
We didn’t win, but hold your heads high; we did win 100 games this year with a fabulous job of managing!
Excellent points, Steve.
I have long felt that a good many of Roberts’ decisions come from a higher source, and I’m talking higher than Andrew. I believe that ownership wants to see guys who they are paying a great deal of money to actually playing and (hopefully) earning their pay.
I have nothing to back this up, it’s just something that I have long believed.
I also believe that the Dodgers are not the only team doing this.
A good old conspiracy theory. I believe you are right Ron. Some years back the managers were not controlling the game any longer. Man oh man – The Angels! YIKES.