Arizona Diamondbacks: In his second year, Torey Lovullo says he’s not changed

By Mark Brown |

Manager Torey Lovullo says he's more comfortable here in his second season as Arizona manager. (Sarah Sachs / Arizona Diamondbacks / Getty Images)

Manager Torey Lovullo of the Arizona Diamondbacks appears more comfortable and engaging than his first season a year ago.

Though the difference detected is subtle and indirect, there could be change to the disposition of manager Torey Lovullo of the Arizona Diamondbacks. One year removed from the assuming the post of first-year major league skipper, the anxieties, and apprehensions of that initial campaign seem far removed.

This is not to conclude that Lovullo may not be any less focused nor his attention to detail less acute. Rather, his daily briefings with the media seem to suggest that his approach is less rigid and on a less-anxious level. The daily schedule here in spring training remains comprehensive, and each activity is carefully orchestrated throughout the Salt River complex.

Since the winter meetings last December in Orlando, Lovullo appears more animated. By his admission, Lovullo admits to creating a comfort zone which was not portrayed a year ago. Since named as the Diamondbacks skipper in the fall of 2016, the subsequent time proceeded with caution and reserve.

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Now a year into his tenure in the desert, Lovullo’s knowledge of how to handle the media as well as his players, seems notable. His pre and post-game comments, while direct, are now laced with humor and ease not present a year ago.

For his part, Lovullo told Call to the Pen that, while he feels more comfortable into his second year, there is still a sense of urgency to help his team reach the next level and beyond merely qualifying for the National League Wild Card game.

“There is a general case of anxiety and uncertainty around every corner,” he said. “You don’t know what’s what and who’s who and what direction you are heading. Now, there is more of rhythm than a routine to my day, and it’s all about trust.”

The natural conclusion is a higher comfort level has been reached, and Lovullo’s experience and a stronger knowledge base remain as principal reasons. After a few sequences around the majors as one of 30 managers, Lovullo developed a sense of acute duty and established a roster to accomplish. When he named manager of the Diamondbacks, Lovullo went out of this way, during that introductory news conference, to offer a declaration, “what matters to the players, matters to me.”

If there has been a change in Lovullo’s personality and approach, there is little detection within the clubhouse. Utility infielder Daniel Descalso told Call to the Pen that Lovullo remains the same relative to the discipline he sets and approach to the game.

“There has been no change with us,” he said. “He’s the same, and same expression. Maybe he’s warmed up to you guys (in the media).”

Lovullo’s emphasis on communication carried throughout the season, and players referred to Lovullo as not only their boss on the baseball diamond but confident in the clubhouse. After Arizona was eliminated last fall from post-season play, pitcher Archie Bradley told Call to the Pen, “I do not want to play for any other manager than Torey Lovullo.”

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With that experience, Lovullo now eases into the myriad of responsibilities without dread nor trepidation. Directly, he told Call to the Pen, there is little or no change.

“It’s been a much easier year for little details,’ he said. “Now, I’ve been through a couple of rounds. I’m prepared and more comfortable. Being able to talk (with the media) and how they see different sides of me is important. I’m not robotic and solely black and white. My personality is a little goofy and quirky at times and serious when it needs to be. I think (the media) gets a sense of that now.”

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