Gabe Kapler calls Dodgers manager Dave Roberts 'exceptional individual'

Based on all the rumors over the past couple weeks, the Los Angeles Dodgers managerial position came down to either Gabe Kapler or Dave Roberts. The Dodgers made their decision Sunday, going with Roberts.

Though Kapler lost out on the job, he took the time Monday to applaud Roberts' hiring.

In the note, Kapler describes Roberts as "exceptional teammate" and a "tremendous human." The two men did play together, and both seem to have pretty solid reputations throughout the game.

It should be noted that Kapler currently works in the Dodgers' front office, so he's going to have to interact with Roberts on a daily basis. It wouldn't look great if he had complained about the hiring on Twitter only to turn around and pretend everything was good with Roberts in person.

It's not like we have any reason to doubt Kapler's sincerity, though. While he might be disappointed about missing out on the job, he'll gain plenty of valuable experience in his current role. If he wants to continue to interview for managerial openings in the coming years, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him get another shot. If not, he can probably continue to rise through the ranks in a team's front office. Either career path would work.

[Brown: Dodgers go with Dave Roberts as their next manager]

Roberts won't officially be introduced as the team's manager until Dec. 1. Strangely enough, he'll open next season against his former club, the San Diego Padres. Roberts actually managed one game for San Diego last season, serving as an interim manager right after Bud Black was let go. The Padres lost that contest 9-1.

Until that press conference, it will be tough to know how Roberts plans to manage the club. The Dodgers have featured some strong personalities over the past few seasons and, given the payroll, expectations for the club remain high.

In that sense, it has to be comforting that he at least has the full support of the entire front office. Even the guy he beat out for the manager position.

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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik