Dodgers managerial rumors: Dave Roberts emerging as potential frontrunner

Now that the Washington Nationals have hired Dusty Baker and seemingly moved past the embarrassingly low offer to Bud Black, the Dodgers are the only current team that needs a manager. According to Ken Rosenthal, "Gabe Kapler remains the perceived front runner...but the teams' recent interview of Padres bench coach Dave Roberts raises an intriguing possibility."

Bob Nightengale confirmed the report that Roberts has interviewed with the Dodgers, which reportedly went incredibly well.

Dave Roberts has blown the #Dodgers away in his managerial interview, and if he doesn't get the job, he'll at least be the bench coach.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 4, 2015

Roberts played in the big leagues for 10 years, and split time between the Indians, Dodgers, Red Sox, Padres, and Giants. He posted a career slash line of .266/.342/.366, and arguably has the most famous stolen base in the history of baseball.

In addition to Roberts, the Dodgers have also interviewed Kirk Gibson, the former Diamondbacks manager. He was unfortunately diagnosed with Parkinson's disease earlier this year, but he's apparently responded well to medication, and believes he could fulfill the managerial duties with no ill effects.

The Dodgers also have plans to interview former Padres (and almost current Nationals) manager Bud Black, as well as Bob Geren, the bench coach for the Mets. According to Rosenthal, "the team is still early in its search...in which as many as 10 different candidates will receive interviews."

Andrew Friedman has said that they'll have a manager in place before the winter meetings, and would like to wrap up the process sooner rather than later.