Why Gabe Kapler didn't want to be on Dodgers' coaching staff
When the Los Angeles Dodgers announced their official coaching staff under new manager Dave Roberts on Thursday, there was a curious omission from the list: Gabe Kapler.
Kapler was expected to become a member of Roberts' coaching staff after finishing runner-up for the Dodgers' managerial position.
While Kapler's insight would have been a welcome addition to the Dodgers' dugout, he told FOX Sports baseball insider Ken Rosenthal that he ultimately came to the conclusion that he wanted to remain Los Angeles' director of player development.
"I spent a great deal of time examining this and having a number of discussions," Kapler told Rosenthal. "I absolutely love working with our players and staff. We have a number of exciting initiatives that are in their early stages.
"Ultimately, I couldn't walk away from what we have just started to build in player development. This is the right role for me to make the most powerful impact."
Kapler is said to have a close relationship with president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. In the one year in which the former major-league outfielder served in his current position, the Dodgers made rookie Joc Pederson their starting center fielder (before his attrition found him on the bench), and called up top infield prospect Corey Seager.
