Development of “the trust factor” guide the Arizona Diamondbacks to raise the bar for success.
Players will attest there is something unique about the personality and temper of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Aside from physical talent and execution, players point to the culture developed by manager Torey Lovullo as a principal cornerstone for recent success.
Qualifying for post-season play a year ago and off to one of the best starts in franchise history, the Arizona Diamondbacks seem positioned for a strong run to glory. The term “trust factor” surfaced last season as a core principal and continues as a significant building block.
Torey Lovullo could be guilty of overusing this term, but it’s significant holds great importance and clearly resonates throughout the clubhouse. Before Friday’s home game with San Diego, Torey Lovullo told Call to the Pen that the ability to gain the confidence of players is vital for the drive toward achievement.
"“The trust factor is the key reason in which you can gauge a relationship,” he said. “The ability to gain trust and give trust can push people to do extraordinary things, and you see that with this team.”"
Once Torey Lovullo took the reigns last spring, the education and psychological foundation kicked into place. Last season, Torey Lovullo was more of an educator and manager of skills and people. Now, players are accomplished in his ways and know what to expect. Reliever Archie Bradley, who has emerged as much a force in the clubhouse as on the mound, told Call to Pen that players are now in a position to execute without instruction.
"“At this point, we understand where we need to be,” he said in the clubhouse before Friday’s game. “I’m not a manager, but it’s like Torey is less of a manager. He put us in a position to be successful and we know what to expect from our ourselves.”"
Through his evolution, Torey Lovullo appears more at ease and in a greater comfort position. Last season, he appeared more formal and more structured. With the advent of spring training, Lovullo emerged less reserved and more animated.
What would not have happened last season, Torey Lovullo asked about the condition of a beat writer who underwent minor surgery in the off-season during spring training and had fun with another reporter when he brought back Deil mustard for that reporter from the recent road trip to Dodger Stadium.
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All of which trends toward Torey Lovullo as recognizing the importance of the variables of trust, communication, care, belief and confidence as guiding principles toward success.
In the trainer’s room …
Following the collision Thursday night between A. J. Pollock and Chris Owings on the Giants’ Brandon Belt drive to the gap in right center, both were out of the lineup Friday night.
Before Friday’s game, manager Torey Lovullo told Call to the Pen both were day-to-day and both available off the bench.
A larger issue, Torey Lovullo pointed out, was his desire to give Pollock a day off. The timing arose when Pollock jammed his right hand in the Owings’ collision and that desire for a break in the schedule created the perfect-storm for Pollock’s absence from the line-up.
Back in the line-up …
For the start of the series in Chase Field, outfielder Wil Myers returned to the San Diego lineup. Out since April 4 with a right arm nerve irritation, Myers appeared in only three games this season (3-for-12, one home run, and one RBI). Before the game Friday, San Diego manager Andy Green told Call to the Pen the value of Myers to his line-up.
"“We missed his athleticism,” Green said. “He is a great talent and we’re just happy to have him back.”"
Next: Lovullo apologizes to Molina & we're not buying it
Myers was in the lineup Friday night against Arizona Diamondbacks starter Matt Koch and hit second on Green’s line-up card.