It was broadcast on a cable network that half of Los Angeles can't watch. There were questions about a star pitcher who could be skipping town. There was talk of a troubled outfielder allegedly involved in a barroom scuffle.
When the Dodgers began a celebratory news conference to announce their new manager Tuesday, the stadium club felt oddly dark and ominously cluttered.
Dave Roberts lit it up with his smile.
"I like grit," he said. "Grit is an unrelenting passion and desire from a common goal and we're not going to waver from that.