Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto on Dodgers picking Dave Roberts: ‘Great hire’

Dave Roberts was a finalist for two managerial jobs this fall -- first with the Seattle Mariners, then the Dodgers.

Jerry Dipoto, the Mariners’ new general manager, selected Scott Servais as the Seattle manager. Dipoto and Servais had worked together in the Angels’ front office for the past four years.

Dipoto was reluctant Monday to comment extensively on the Dodgers’ hiring of Roberts, not wanting to discuss the business of another team or steal any of the spotlight from Roberts. That said, Dipoto was happy to share what he learned about Roberts through the interview process in Seattle and how that might play in L.A.

“Great hire, in my opinion,� Dipoto said via text message. “Exceptional human being, high energy, passion, people skills, adaptability and a real sense of how an organization connects at all levels.

“[I] believe he’ll be a great fit.�