One day this spring, Dave Roberts asked Yasiel Puig to dinner. During his first camp as manager of the Dodgers, Roberts attempted to build relationships up and down his roster. But only one player received an invitation like this. Puig merited the extra attention, Roberts felt.
Inside a clubhouse riven with mistrust during Don Mattingly’s tenure, Puig loomed as the most divisive figure. After he accepted the managerial position, Roberts promised Puig a clean slate. Seated alongside first-base coach George Lombard at dinner, Roberts reinforced that message.
We believe in you. We care about you. We only want the best for you.