"He Put Us on His Back Again"

       Dave Roberts of the L.A. Dodgers was voted 2016 Sporting News Manager of the Year in the National League.

       There was lots of talk about the record breaking number of injuries on the team that Roberts had to foist with and come up with winning solutions for.  That was the most serious problem he faced as manager, but that isn't why he won.

       Dave Roberts earned the award because of the way he spoke of team members' play.  A quote like the one above when Justin Turner had a 3-run homer and 3 hits in a game indicates Roberts sees that good play is a function of will and determination and team spirit, not just talent and skill.  The nature of this praise is the way to build a team. 

       It's in the language.