Runner-up Kapler praises Dodgers' hiring of Roberts

Gabe Kapler is among several former and current players throwing their support behind new Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who became the franchise's first minority skipper when the club announced the hiring Monday.

What makes Kapler's endorsement particularly noteworthy is that throughout the process to replace former manager Don Mattingly, he was considered the odds-on favorite to secure the job.

"Dave Roberts is an exceptional individual," Kapler tweeted, accompanied by a hard-written note. "The man is an exceptional teammate and a tremendous human. He is prepared and diligent. His work ethic is strong."

Roberts and Kapler, reportedly among as many as 10 candidates included in the Dodgers' search for a manager, played together twice during their baseball careers, most notably with the 2004 World Series champion Boston Red Sox.

Kapler, who's currently the Dodgers' director of player development, believes the organization is in good hands.

"Dave is going to do a phenomenal job," he said. "Dodger fans have a man they can be proud of at the helm."

Kapler was among several people inside baseball to praise the hiring of the 43-year-old Roberts. Here's a sampling of what players are saying about the Dodgers' new manager: