91ST MLB ALL-STAR GAME

July 13, 2021

Dave Roberts

Coors Field

Press Conference

AL - 5, NL - 2

Q. How do you manage to make it work, your lineup and your reserve players?

DAVE ROBERTS: Well, the lineup is sort of -- with the fan voting and you kind of play those guys. There's a couple people -- Acuna got hurt, Mookie Betts isn't here, so you kind of add some guys. And as far as constructing the lineup, it's a little bit about who is performing the best, who fans want to see. That's a part of it.

For me, as far as the pitching, making sure you have enough pitching if it's extra innings. But as far as position players pitching, you try to get everybody in there because their families, their friends and their fans want to see them.

Q. You know the game is back in L.A. next year. What kind of show do you think the Dodgers can put on with the resources they have?

DAVE ROBERTS: It's going to be special. And I tell you, the Rockies and the City of Denver did a fantastic job. Just kind of facilitating and hosting the Home Run Derby, the game itself, all the accommodations were fantastic. But with next year, the City of Los Angeles, it's obviously -- it's a long time coming and I know our city is going to do it right with the help of the Dodgers and it's going to be a lot of fun. I can't wait. I hope I get to manage next year.

Q. You've seen a lot of standing ovations in your time. What did you think of what Nolan Arenado received today?

DAVE ROBERTS: It was great. Nolan did a lot for this city, this organization, and although he's with another right now, it's great. I know it meant a lot for him to be received that way, and he did a lot of stuff outside the community. So for him to be received like that, I know it meant a lot to him.

Q. Even though it's an exhibition game, what are your thoughts on the NL losing their eighth straight?

DAVE ROBERTS: Unfortunately I'm part of three of them. Not the thing I'm most proud of.

They came out swinging tonight. I think we're like 3-7 or 3-20 in the last 24. Like I said to Bill, I hope I get a chance to win one next year.

Q. What was it like to work with Bud Black?

DAVE ROBERTS: It was great. He's a good friend of mine, mentor. This is the second time we've been able to do this in his hometown, home ballpark. I got to take over his office for a couple of days, so that was fun. And it's always great spending time with good friends.

Q. We saw a lot of tape measure home runs last night but nobody was trying to get them out. Tonight they were and Vlad hit that ball 468. What did you think of what he was able to do tonight?

DAVE ROBERTS: It's remarkable. I remember seeing him in the home run contest a couple years ago, and for a young person to be on center stage and play to the crowd and still perform like he did in that Derby showed me something. And obviously watched his career and he's become one of the stars of the game. So I don't know if he was sitting slider, but man, Burnes is a heck of a pitcher and he got every bit of that baseball.

And also with Vlad, the next at-bat he had an RBI situation and hit a ground ball to drive in a run. Those are things I just love with ballplayers.

Q. What was that moment like with Reggie Smith, sending him off to the pitching change? Is that something you told him or something you sprung on him?

DAVE ROBERTS: Sprung it on him. Talked to the guys before the game and I thought his message was really special. He talked about his experience in an All-Star Game. So as the game was playing out, I wanted to get guys in. And so just thought it was a good opportunity to let him go get that pitcher and I think it was special for him.

Q. What was your reaction to the tribute to Hank Aaron?

DAVE ROBERTS: It was great. I was saying this the other day even our work out, the Home Run Derby day where everyone is wearing 44 and people that know who Henry Aaron was and what he was as a ballplayer, it's great to bring it that to life again. But even people that don't know ask the question of why is everyone wearing 44 and who is 44?

It just brings his name and legacy back to life and the conversation. So for me as a man of color, I think it's fantastic and it was an honor.

Q. I think there are six All-Stars age 23 or younger. Your thoughts on just this young core that's kind of taken over the league?

DAVE ROBERTS: I'm excited. These guys, I've said it before, it's like there's more talent 1 through 850, 900 ballplayers than there ever has been. And it's kind of sided towards the young players and there's just so many superstars and there's so much talent. The thing is they are very excitable, but they are very curious. They are what this game is about and what this game will be about for the next decade.

For me as a guy that's been around for a bit, you have to embrace that. That youthful energy is fantastic, it's great for the game and the young fans certainly gravitate towards it. For me to see Vlad and Bichette and Tatis, Jr. and all these guys, and also it's great to see the banter back with the veteran players and all these young guys, it's a lot of fun.