Blue Jays manager John Schneider and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shared raw emotions and insights in a 90-minute podcast with ESPN's Jeff Passan, reliving one of the greatest World Series ever contested. The two managers met at Rogers Centre earlier this month to discuss pivotal moments from the Fall Classic.
Miguel Rojas: An Unlikely Hero
Schneider admitted that the last thing he expected was for light-hitting Miguel Rojas to become a World Series hero. In Game 7, with the Dodgers trailing 4-3 in the ninth inning, Rojas faced Toronto closer Jeff Hoffman. According to Schneider, the analytics favored Hoffman against Rojas. "Hoffman vs. Rojas was the best on the sheet," Schneider said. However, Rojas deposited a ball into the Toronto bullpen to tie the game, deflating the sellout crowd. The Blue Jays never recovered, losing in 11 innings.
Rojas later responded on Instagram, saying, "I've been red on every manager's card. Analytics never count the heart or the balls."
Playing Games with Shohei Ohtani
In Game 3, an 18-inning marathon at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani reached base nine times, four via intentional walk. Schneider candidly admitted that the walks were partly to tire Ohtani, who was scheduled to pitch Game 4 the next day. "It worked," Roberts acknowledged, noting that Ohtani was exhausted and needed an IV after the game.
George Springer's Injuries
Schneider revealed that Springer played through a wrist, oblique, and knee injury during the World Series. "George couldn't throw with his wrist but he could hit, somehow," Schneider said. Roberts praised Springer's leadership, despite his role in the controversial Astros World Series win over the Dodgers.
Bo Bichette's Massive Home Run
Roberts intentionally walked Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to face Bo Bichette, hoping for a double play. Instead, Bichette smashed a 450-foot home run. "I would do the same thing again and hope for a different result," Roberts said.
The Short Lead That Haunts
After Rojas's homer, the Jays had a chance to win in the bottom of the ninth. Isiah Kiner-Falefa took a short lead off third and was thrown out at home by Rojas. Schneider admitted the staff could have instructed Kiner-Falefa to get off the base more. "Baseball happens. Guy made a great play," Schneider said.
Fight of Their Lives
Despite being favorites, Roberts said the Dodgers were fighting for their lives. "I thought they were the best team in the post-season," he said of the Blue Jays. Roberts praised Schneider's leadership, saying the team took on his personality.
