Arizona Diamondbacks: Archie Bradley emerged as soul and conscience

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo’s open communication policy was embraced by a vocal and enthusiastic Archie Bradley.

Maybe this was by design. Given the temperament, character and nature of reliever Archie Bradley of the Arizona Diamondbacks, one might not be shocked or taken aback.

The first sign of an independent process, and then translated into a vocal and forthright method of communication, transpired back in mid-February.

That’s when Bradley showed up at the Diamondbacks’ spring training facility at Salt River in Scottsdale with a beard that rivaled Paul Bunyan. During part of his previous seasons, Bradley was known to sport facial hair, but his appearance at the start of spring training signified a change for Bradley and an altered course for this team.

Acknowledging a change from the previous regime of then manager Chip Hale and GM Dave Stewart to Torey Lovullo, hired as manager in last October, and Mike Hazen, brought in as GM was necessary, Bradley recognized these new hires represented a necessary first step to rid the dark cloud hanging over the Diamondbacks clubhouse.

Bradley was one of the first to buy into Lovullo’s open communication, sense of values and the player, as a person first, that evolved into a refreshing change which swept through the Salt River clubhouse.

When he arrived for spring training, Bradley was in the mix for a spot in the starting rotation. Given that Zack Greinke, Robbie Ray, Shelby Miller and Taijuan Walker were locks, the battle for that final rotation spot essentially came down to lefty Patrick Corbin and Bradley.

By the time the Diamondbacks opened the season on April 2 at home against the San Francisco Giants, Bradley made the team, but in a bullpen role. Just happy to be part of the 25-man roster, Bradley made it clear he embraced whatever role Lovullo envisioned, and would succeed. Given a 24-game turnaround from last season, Bradley told Call to the Pen that the 2017 Diamondbacks represents something special.

"“From the first day of spring training to our first walk-off win over the Giants to start the season it’s just a different feel,” he said. “I’ve arrived at the field earlier each day. It’s like I want to be here and want to be around these guys. This is where I find my comfort zone.”"

To be fair, the back-end of the bullpen was far from finalized. The only reliever who seemed secure was veteran Fernando Rodney as the Diamondbacks’ closer. Luvullo had no bone-fide set-up reliever nor a reliever he could designate as a seventh inning candidate.

All the while, Bradley continued in his new role out of the pen and proceeded to shut down opponents. By June, he emerged as a legitimate, eighth inning reliever and his ERA sparkled around 1.25.

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While Bradley developed into one of the most reliable relievers in the game, his lively personality never left. Always animated, vibrant and energetic, Bradley was the first to greet reporters with assertions that no team could come into Chase Field and push his team. No team could come into Chase Field and dominate, and his team would not respond. In a short period of time, Bradley became the soul and conscience of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

While his energy is contagious, Bradley was one of the first to take Lovullo’s open communication and relaxed disposition to another level. After games, Bradley would pull his clubhouse chair into the corner where catchers Jeff Mathis and Chris Iannetta has their locker stalls. In front of a plastic pyre lit like a campfire, Bradley would hold court, his voice booming and a smile always present.

Then, pitcher Taijuan Walker brought a hoop and basketball to the clubhouse, and Lovullo opened the beer keg. Al the while, a collective friendship and environment conducive to winning was laid and allowed to flourish.

Bradley told Call to the Pen that the clubhouse Lovullo created and a culture of caring and openness were initial factors which translated into winning.

"“I think this starts at the top” he said. “I felt from the first meeting (Lovullo) had with us, the words he spoke, they kind of hit me. The hair stood up on my neck a little, and that was the moment going forward. Many of us have not won at the big-league level, so I think lot of us, especially after the first month, we were like, man, let’s take this and run with it.”"

So far, the journey has taken Bradley and his teammates to the National League Division Series and they hope the trek continues.

Next: Blue Jays season review, 2018 preview

This best-of-five NL Division Series opens Friday night at Dodger Stadium, Taijuan Walker will start for Arizona. Walker is coming off a 9-9 season and a 3.49 ERA in 28 starts. Against the Dodgers this season, Walker went 2-0 and a 3.24 ERA in 16 2/3 innings.

The Dodgers will counter with lefty Clayton Kershaw, who was 18-4 with a 2.31 ERA in 27 starts.

Some notable numbers, with limited at-bats, against Walker. Yasmani Grandal is 3-for-8 and three walks, Joc Pederson is 4-for8, Corey Seager is 2-for-6 and the only L. A. homer, and Justin Turner is 2-for-7.

Notable numbers against Kershaw include Paul Goldschmidt, who is hitting .227 (10-for-44) and two home runs. A. J. Pollock is hitting .226 (7-for-31), while Chris Iannetta has the highest average against Kershaw at .296 (8-for 27).

These numbers are lifetime against each pitcher.

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