Torey Lovullo of the Arizona Diamondbacks said he learned from mistakes in his first year as a major-league manager.
During the recent winter meetings, manager Torey Lovullo of the Arizona Diamondbacks pointed to his vulnerability. Not that this trait was glaring and evident, but Lovullo wanted to confess to a learning curve.
Acknowledging to Call to the Pen that: “I made mistakes,” Lovulllo was also quick not to reveal secrets which opponents may use in the future. Still, there were a few double switches and use of certain players in certain situations which caused Lovullo to confess.
Perhaps the most glaring was his use of lefty Robbie Ray in game two of the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. While Lovullo would not publicly admit to this fault, Ray’s failure not to last the fifth inning and to exhibit a wildness were two critical factors which led to the Arizona Diamondbacks downfall in this crucial game, and ultimately, the series.
Ray was coming off a relief appearance in the wild-card win over the Colorado Rockies, and in a game in which he tossed 2 ½ innings, threw 34 pitches, walked none and struck out three. He came in behind starter Zack Greinke (3 1/3 innings) and lefty Andrew Chafin (1/3 of an inning). Ray was then followed by Jorge De La Rosa, Archie Bradley and Fernando Rodney in the victory.
When given the assignment of game two of the NLDS, that put Ray out of his regular routine and Lovullo gave the lefty the ball with only two days rest.
The end result was an unaccustomed wildness and a 26-pitch fourth inning. After facing two hitters in the fifth, Ray’s pitch count was up to 88, and at that point, Lovullo reached into his bullpen for reliever Jimmy Sherfy.
That was pointed out by manager Dave Roberts of the Dodgers, who told Call to the Pen during the recent winter meetings, his club felt Ray’s liability, and desire to capitalize.
"“We knew Robbie was on short rest, and wanted to take advantage of that,” Roberts said. “Also, it was one of those nights that that our guys put together some real good at-bats.”"
Then again, that’s all in the rear-view mirror and ready to move forward.
There is no question that Lovullo’s method of communication remained significant factor why the Diamondbacks climbed through the NL West. That was articulated by Ron Gardenhire, his bench coach and hired to manage the Detroit Tigers.
During the recent winter meetings, Gardenhire told Call to the Pen that Lovullo’s knowledge, energy and communication skills rekindled his desire to get back in the game and pursue managerial openings.
"“(Lovullo) is a great communicator,” he told Call to the Pen. “He is the kind of person who creates a positive atmosphere, and players respond. In that environment, you look forward and want to come to the ball park every. Torey did a very good job of that.”"
While general manager Mike Hazen continues to tweak the roster and prepare for spring training, Lovullo’s approach will not change.
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His ability to connect with players on a baseball and non-baseball level is well-documented.
With the core and foundation in place for a culture conducive to winning, Lovullo now has to recall the mistakes made, assess situations as presented and adapt. In that regard, there should be no issue moving forward.
In the trainer’s room
Outfield prospect Socrates Brito sustained a possible fracture of his right pinkie finger.
That happened when the native of Azua, Dominican Republic was playing for Estrellas in the Dominican League.
Brito is expected to be examined by the club’s medical staff and then a diagnosis determined. In 173 plate appearances for Estrellas, Brito was hitting .294.
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Should the Arizona Diamondbacks not sign J. D. Martinez, Brito, who can play all three outfield positions, may have a reasonable chance to make the club out of spring training.