At the 2024 USC Sports Business Association Summit, Dave Roberts of the LA Dodgers and Mark Kotsay of the Oakland Athletics took the stage alongside Mark Sweeney for a panel discussion. This in-depth look at what it's like to manage these teams in the current MLB landscape offered valuable insights.

Uncover the Insights of MLB Managers in the Dugout

Managing a Roster: The Crucial Skills

Kotsay emphasized the importance of communicating with players and building trusting relationships. He noted that taking initiative and being on top of everything is essential. "As a manager, you need to be involved in every conversation but also allow people to do their jobs," he said. "It's about finding the right balance."Roberts added another perspective, highlighting the business side of the game. "Managers have a responsibility to keep the business people happy while still winning games," he explained. "It's a delicate balance."

The Impact of Mentorship

Kotsay discussed the value of mentorship, citing Roberts and Bruce Bochy as his main influences. "Bochy supported us and listened to us. If you showed up and prepared, he was there with you," he said. Roberts agreed, calling Bochy a "player's manager" who understands how to relate to and lead players.

Challenges in MLB Today

The conversation shifted to the current state of MLB, with analytics becoming more prevalent and roster turnover higher than ever. Roberts and Kotsay emphasized the importance of backing players as human beings first. "Despite the numbers, our players are still human beings, and we need to support them," Roberts said.Kotsay also shared his experience with the Athletics playing in Sacramento. "It's a challenge to get players to buy into playing in a Triple-A facility," he admitted. "But we're doing our best to make it work."

The Dodgers Fanbase and World Series Parade

Roberts spoke about the importance of earning a World Series parade for the Dodgers fanbase. "There are pressures as a coach for a winning franchise, but I don't take the criticism personally. I love what I do," he said.He also mentioned the investment in players like Shohei Ohtani, which has maintained the Dodgers' box office status. "Getting fans from Japan and Asia has helped MLB and the Dodgers," he added.

The Oakland A's Journey

Kotsay recalled his initial excitement about inheriting the Oakland A's roster but then the disappointment of the salary cuts. "Our owner chose to cut salary, and we had to trade our stars," he said. However, he also noted the team's improvement in 2024, thanks to roster consistency.He expressed his sympathy for Oakland fans and their anger at the organization. "They've been through a lot, and their support is justified," he said.

The Importance of Analytics and Young Minds

The managers concluded by emphasizing the importance of analytics and the need for young minds to contribute to the game. "Data-driven work is crucial in today's game," Roberts said. "We need to embrace new ideas and perspectives."Kotsay agreed, adding, "Even those who didn't grow up around baseball can bring valuable insights through analytics."They answered a few questions from the audience, with Roberts sharing one final thought. "I never imagined I'd be managing the LA Dodgers. It's a humbling experience," he said.This hour-long discussion provided incredible insights into the lives of MLB managers and the challenges they face. It was a unique opportunity for Trojans to connect with these larger-than-life figures.