Dodgers' Dave Roberts Wins 2016 NL Manager of the Year Award

Another Dodger rookie has claimed a coveted prize.

First year manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers Dave Roberts was named the National League's Manager of the Year by The Baseball Writers' Association of America.

The BBWAA made the announcement on MLB Network and Roberts was named the winner of the award after receiving 16 first place votes (out of 30). Joe Maddon of the Chicago Cubs finished second and Dusty Baker of the Washington Nationals finished in third.

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Roberts joins Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda as the only Dodgers in franchise history to win the award. 

"I'd like to thank the BBWAA for this honor," Roberts said. "I am humbled by this award. I'd like to congratulate Joe Maddon and Dusty Baker, who are not only great managers, but connect with their players in a way that I deeply respect. I share this award with the players, coaches and front office, who made me look good on a daily basis. Finally, I'd like to thank my family who has been with me every step of the way."

Roberts replaced Don Mattingly in December of 2015, and the 44-year-old overcame injuries, adversities, and skepticism as a first year skipper. After struggling in the first half of the season, news that three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw would be out for 6-8 weeks could have derailed any postseason aspirations. 

"When you put it that way, there were a lot of challenges. I didn't expect us to be faced with the injuries we had, so it was more challenging," Roberts said about the record number of injuries. "The support that I had though, completely exceeded my expectations." 

Instead, the team rallied around Roberts and each other as they erased an eight-game deficit in the National League West, finishing with a 91-71 record and their fourth consecutive division title.

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In doing so, Roberts joined Lasorda as the only rookie managers ever to win the division in their inaugural season.

However, Roberts wasn't done yet. He helped guide the Dodgers through a thrilling NLDS over the Nationals, and they advanced to the NLCS to face the Cubs where they ultimately fell in six games. 

"This was the first day I had to reflect on what we were able to accomplish," added Roberts. "Even after we lost in the postseason I was unable to play the season out in my head. Today was the first day I did that."

The Dodgers had a Major League record of injuries this season as 28 different players were sent to the disabled list in 2016. In total, 55 players and 31 different pitchers spent time on the DL, more than any other team in the last 30 years.

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The ability to guide the Dodgers to the postseason and win the NL West despite the record number of injuries was likely a guiding force in the writers' decision to vote for Roberts. It also helps that Maddon won the award last season.

Roberts' former manager, Terry Francona, of the Cleveland Indians won Manger of the Year in the American League, and Roberts said he expects to congratulate his former skipper who led the 2004 Boston Red Sox to a title. 

"I haven't talked to Tito yet, but I definitely will call and congratulate him," Roberts said. "For me, he let players play. When you as a coach or manager can empower your players it goes a long way." 

Willian Avila contributed to this story.