D-backs Player Reactions to Torey Lovullo Extension

What do some of the players have to say about their manager?
D-backs Player Reactions to Torey Lovullo Extension
D-backs Player Reactions to Torey Lovullo Extension /
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Earlier today we published Torey Lovullo's reaction to getting a contract extension from the Diamondbacks through the 2024 season. Throughout his tenure since 2017, Lovullo has been known as a player's manager. The most consistent response we got when asking players about him is regarding his ability and willingness to communicate, and also his positive attitude. Here are some  responses from players we were able to catch in the locker room this morning upon hearing the news of the extension. 

Merrill Kelly

"It's great. Obviously he's been through the ringer the last couple of years with all of us. But he's stuck with us, he's always encouraging us . He knew over the last couple of years that eventually we'd be here.....He's never one to bring the negativity in, so I'm happy for him."

On Follow up Kelly was asked how having such a positive manager helps through the ups and down of the season

"It just helps not having the boss on your back. It helps knowing that even if you're not necessarily doing your job at that moment that he's not going to come bearing down on you. We have enough stress in this game as far as the expectations that we have for ourselves, the expectations for our teammates, for the team, it obviously helps when the guy that's in charge isn't adding to those negative thoughts or negative expectations."

Jake McCarthy

"That's awesome! I guess you get rewarded for doing the right things around here. He's the leader of this team, obviously things have been going well for the first few months of the season, so it's great, it's exciting.  He's the same guy every day. He's a good leader for this crew. We've had a lot of younger guys come up, I think he's always reminded us to be ourselves, and know we belong here so that's one of my first impressions of him when I got called up.  He was like, hey man, I know you're new here but be yourself, be comfortable. We respect what you can do. That was nice to hear from a manager my first week. "

Kevin Ginkel

"It's good. He's obviously been her for a while now. I've been with him now for about five years. He's always been super stable, and communicates really well with his players and makes the players fight for him a lot, he fights for us. I think it's a good move and I think he brings a lot of value to this team.  I think what he does is real. I think the way he speaks about the team and his philosophies shows in his actions as well. He's not a guy that's just gonna talk about it and then do something maybe completely different. He stands true to what he believes in. I think a lot of guys see that and understand. I've played with veteran guys that have played here for a little bit and then moved on and they've said he's one of the better managers in baseball."

Andrew Chafin

"Awesome. Good for him, that's great. He's good at what he does and he helps bring the team together. He's a good manager, so I'm happy to hear that for him.  I hope they pick up my contract for next year and get to play with him again. I think we have really good communication between him and the guys in the pen. He's really on top of how we're feeling and making sure that everybody in good communication with that and if a guy needs a day he's really good at making that happen. I guess that will help prolong the life of the arms in the bullpen."  

 Jose Herrera

"I think that the connection that he makes with the players [is unique] Torey does an incredible job to take care of us, to be able to manage us, and also being there for us,...even if you have an outside problem he's always there.  In tough moments when you have that backup from him, he's being positive, he's still there with you fighting for every single inch, like he always says, win the inch, it's very important for us. "

Scott McGough

"I'm happy for him. It's been great so far. He welcomed me in with open arms. I met with him right before I signed. You can tell he's a good guy, everybody seems to like him, and play hard for him. So that's everything you want in a manager. I definitely think he's a player's guy. He makes a point to get to know everyone on a personal basis, coming around, asking questions, getting to know you and the family....like he came up to my wife on family day just o introduce himself and talk to her and get a little story about her. So it's kinda cool that he's reaching out behind the scenes like that."

Listen to the audio for all six players and their reaction to the news:


Published
Jack Sommers
JACK SOMMERS

Jack Sommers is the Publisher for Arizona Diamondbacks ON SI. Formerly a baseball operations department analyst for the D-backs, Jack also covered the team as a credentialed beat writer for SB Nation and has written for MLB.com and The Associated Press. Follow Jack on Twitter @shoewizard59