Quite the introduction
During his introductory news conference last October, as the Arizona Diamondbacks eighth manager in franchise history, Lovulllo said at the time, “what matters to the players, matters to me.” That open invitation to communicate began to resonate throughout the clubhouse.
By the end of this past season, and his Arizona players tasting the sweet waters of post-season participation, pitcher Archie Bradley told Call to the Pen, “I don’t want to play for another manager than Torey Lovullo.”
That sentiment permeated through the walls of Chase Field, and by season’s end, became a common refrain.
For his part, Lovullo found what was essentially the core of a highly competitive team. Speaking to Call to the Pen last Friday before a Diamondbacks charity golf tournament to benefit veterans, Lovullo pointed out he did not have to look far for quality players.
"“When I got here, I knew we had a special group of guys,” he said. “It didn’t take long to see how special they were, and we would be okay.”"
Beginning with Goldschmidt at the core, the nucleus of strength down the middle was evident. Those close to the game argue the strength of any team is down the middle and that includes the center fielder, the double play combination, and stability behind the plate.