Arizona Diamondbacks’ Torey Lovullo wins NL Manager of the Year
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Lovullo on winning award after father’s death; Goldy’s congrats | 1:29
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo discusses winning NL Manager of the Year after his father’s death before the season and Paul Goldschmidt texting him congratulations at Chase Field on Tuesday. Courtesy of MLB
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Diamondbacks’ Torey Lovullo named NL Manager of the Year | 0:42
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo was named National League Manager of the Year. In his first season with the team, Lovullo helped the Diamondbacks improve by 24 wins. Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB D-Backs’ J.D. going away, but Goldy MVP? | 1:59
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Nick Piecoro discuss the latest with the Arizona Diamondbacks in our Shot Clock video.
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Jay Dieffenbach and Nick Piecoro talk baseball playoffs and Diamondbacks in our Shot Clock video.
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Diamondbacks players Archie Bradley. Paul Goldschmidt and David Hernandez discuss the end of the 2017 season as the team cleans out its lockers on Tuesday.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB 2017 Diamondbacks: An improbable team with an uncommon bond | 2:48
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about the uncommon bond on this season’s improbable team: “This group loves one another…and that’s what’s getting me through this right now.” Thomas Hawthorne/ azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Doug Haller, Greg Moore on D-Backs’ NLDS Game 3 loss | 3:55
azcentral sports’ Greg Moore and Doug Haller discuss the Diamondbacks’ season-ending loss to the Dodgers in NLDS Game 3 at Chase Field on Monday.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Torey Lovullo on D-Backs’ Game 3 loss to Dodgers | 2:42
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo discusses what went wrong with his team in an NLDS sweep at the hands of the Dodgers on Monday.
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Sarah McLellan and Doug Haller recap Game 3 and look ahead to next season. azcentral spors
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Diamondbacks Dodgers NLDS Game 3: What to watch for | 12:08
The Arizona Diamondbacks are on the brink of elimination at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers. What do the Diamondbacks need to do to keep their season alive? Nick Piecoro and Dan Bickley from azcentral sports discuss. Sarah McLellan/azcentral sports
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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about what needs to happen to the Diamondbacks to extend the NLDS with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Thomas Hawthorne/ azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Dan Bickley wraps up another bad start in D-Backs’ Game 2 loss | 1:55
azcentral sports columnist Dan Bickley discusses what’s ailing the Diamondbacks after Saturday’s NLDS Game 2 loss to the Dodgers in Los Angeles.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Robbie Ray after D-Backs’ Game 2 loss | 0:53
Diamondbacks starter Robbie Ray discusses the approach the Dodgers had against him in Saturday’s NLDS Game 2 in Los Angeles.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Piecoro, Bickley preview NLDS Game 2, D-Backs’ lineup changes | 2:36
azcentral sports Diamondbacks insider Nick Piecoro and columnist Dan Bickley preview Saturday’s NLDS Game 2 in Los Angeles as Robbie Ray takes the mound and Chris Iannetta and Jake Lamb return to the lineup.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Dan Bickley wraps up D-Backs’ Game 1 loss to Dodgers | 1:49
azcentral sports columnist Dan Bickley wraps up the Diamondbacks’ NLDS Game 1 loss to the Dodgers, discussing Torey Lovullo’s rough night and the need for an ace performance from Robbie Ray in Game 2, in Los Angeles on Friday.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Nick Piecoro, Dan Bickley preview NLDS Game 1 from LA | 3:11
azcentral sports Diamondbacks insider Nick Piecoro and columnist Dan Bickley preview Friday’s NLDS Game 1, including some potential reasons why Jeff Mathis is starting over Chris Iannetta and why Jake Lamb is on the bench.
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azcentral sports’ Mark Faller and Sarah McLellan discuss the NLDS. Do the Diamondbacks have some things going in their favor?
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Shot Clock: Lovullo’s decisions work for D-Backs | 2:04
azcentral sports’ Greg Moore and Jay Dieffenbach discuss the Diamondbacks’ win over the Rockies.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Reaction to Archie Bradley’s triple | 1:35
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Archie Bradley recounts his RBI triple against the Colorado Rockies in the NL wild card game. Michael Chow/azcentral.com
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Who starts against the Dodgers? | 0:57
Arizona Diamondbacks manager gives his thoughts on who starts game one against the Dodgers in the NLDS on Friday. Michael Chow/azcentral.com
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Diamondbacks win wild one over Rockies | 2:10
Azcentral’s Scott Bordow and Greg Moore break down the Arizona Diamondback’s 11-8 win over the Colorado Rockies in the NL wild card game. Michael Chow/azcentral.com
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB What happened in that Diamondbacks Rockies wild-card game? Everything | 3:13
Some games have it all and the NL wild-card game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies was one of then. Sarah McLellan and Scott Bordow from azcentral sports break it down. Sarah McLellan/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Shot Clock: D-Backs vs. Rockies in wild card | 2:57
azcentral sports’ Mark Faller and Greg Moore preview the D-Backs’ wild-card game.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Paul Goldschmidt and J.D. Martinez share insights on each other | 1:59
Arizona Diamondbacks sluggers Paul Goldschmidt and J.D. Martinez share insights on each other before the wild-card game against the Rockies.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Greinke looks ahead to his wild-card start | 1:50
Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke talks about the National League wild-card game on Wednesday at Chase Field.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Lovullo discusses the wild-card game against the Rockies | 1:16
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo discusses the wild-card game against the Colorado Rockies.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Shot Clock: Zack’s comfort dog? Wild-card preview | 1:57
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley discuss the Diamondbacks roster for the wild card game against the Rockies.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Piecoro, Moore on D-Backs’ preparations ahead of wild-card game | 3:11
azcentral sports Diamondbacks insider Nick Piecoro and columnist Greg Moore discuss how the Diamondbacks are preparing for the NL wild-card game from Chase Field on Monday. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Lovullo on Martinez: ‘As good a hitter … that I’ve been around’ | 1:16
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo discusses the work ethic that slugger J.D. Martinez brings to the plate for his club on Monday. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB D-Backs’ Pollock on facing Rockies starter Jon Gray | 0:50
Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock discusses facing Rockies starter Jon Gray, whom they will face in the NL wild-card game, during a press conference at Chase Field on Monday. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Torey Lovullo on Paul Goldschmidt’s stats, focus | 0:53
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo discusses how Paul Goldschmidt thinks when it comes to stats and the upcoming NL wild-card game during a press conference on Monday. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB D-Backs’ Pollock on security concerns for wild-card game | 0:33
Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock addresses security concerns for wild-card game after Las Vegas shooting on Monday. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB D-Backs’ manager Torey Lovullo on Walker, Bradley vs. Royals | 1:30
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about Taijuan Walker’s impressive start and Archie Bradley’s shaky outing.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Archie Bradley after loss to Royals | 1:36
Diamondbacks reliever Archie Bradley talks about what went wrong in his outing against the Royals on Saturday night.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Torey Lovullo after Greinke’s loss vs. Royals | 1:08
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo discusses Zack Greinke’s final tune-up before his anticipated start in the wild-card game on Wednesday.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Zack Greinke on his outing vs. Royals | 1:17
Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Greinke talks about his start (four-plus innings, two runs) vs. the Royals on Friday night in Kansas City.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB J.D. Martinez’s on his record-tying home run | 1:02
With a solo shot in the ninth inning on Wednesday, J.D. Martinez tied a National League record with his 16th home run in September.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB David Peralta on his walk-off walk, J.D. Martinez’s hitting | 2:03
Diamondbacks outfielder David Peralta talks about his game-winning walk and J.D. Martinez’s recent tear at the plate.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB J.D. Martinez on his hot streak, D-Backs’ win over Giants | 1:01
Slugger J.D. Martinez hit his 28th homer in his 58th game with the Diamondbacks on Tuesday night.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Paul Goldschmidt after D-Backs clinch wild card spot | 0:50
Slugger Paul Goldschmidt in the celebratory clubhouse after the Diamondbacks clinched a wild card spot. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Diamondbacks celebrate playoff berth | 0:44
After clinching a National League wild card berth earlier in the day, the D-Backs celebrated securing home field with a walk-off win over the Miami Marlins. Scott Bordow/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Fernando Rodney on his 300th career save | 1:07
Diamondbacks closer Fernando Rodney speaks after recording his 300th save in a win over the Marlins on Friday.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Chris Iannetta on his 8-RBI night in D-Backs’ win | 1:11
Diamondbacks catcher Chris Iannetta discusses his eight-RBI night in Arizona’s win over the Marlins on Friday.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Archie Bradley answers questions from reporters – and J.D. Martinez | 1:43
Diamondbacks reliever Archie Bradley talks with reporters about his RBI single in the eighth, then answers questions from teammate J.D. Martinez.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Robbie Ray after 10-strikeout game vs. Giants | 1:36
Diamondbacks lefty Robbie Ray talks about his performance in a 3-2 win over the San Francisco Giants on Friday night at AT&T Park. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Archie Bradley on baseball and beards | 3:14
Diamondbacks reliever Archie Bradley discusses the energy associated with his appearances as a reliever and his beard. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Paul Goldschmidt downplays his 1,000th career hit | 1:12
Diamondbacks slugger Paul Goldschmidt wasn’t too interested in discussing his 1,000th career hit on Wednesday night.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Coyotes take batting practice at Chase Field | 1:21
Coyotes players took batting practice at Chase Field before the Diamondbacks hosted the Padres Friday. Sarah McLellan/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Torey Lovullo on the end of the D-Backs’ win streak | 1:40
Manager Torey Lovullo, left-hander Patrick Corbin and third baseman Jake Lamb react to the 10-6 loss. Sarah McLellan/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLB Paul Goldschmidt says his elbow is structurally sound | 2:16
Diamondbacks slugger Paul Goldschmidt talks about the results of Tuesday’s MRI exam on his right elbow.
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Torey Lovullo became the third consecutive Diamondbacks manager to lead his team to the postseason then be rewarded with the National League Manager of the Year award, winning rather easily in voting results announced Tuesday afternoon.
Lovullo, whose Diamondbacks won 93 games and advanced to the NL division series in his first year on the job, received 18 of 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers Association of America.
“It’s an organizational thing is how I’m viewing it,” Lovullo said during a press conference at Chase Field on Tuesday evening. “Without ownership as strong as it is, without the front office and the relationship I have with them, without the coaches and the players, I’m not sitting here. A lot goes on behind the scenes that nobody knows about. The final piece of that whole puzzle is the players go out and perform at the level they do, and that’s why I’m sitting here today.”
The Diamondbacks weren’t expected to win in 2007 or 2011, but both teams won the NL West, and managers Bob Melvin and Kirk Gibson, respectively, each came away with hardware. Manager of the Year winners often come from surprise contenders, and this year was no different.
Last year, the Diamondbacks won 69 games in a disappointing season, an outcome that led to changes atop the organization. New General Manager Mike Hazen hired Lovullo, whom he’d known for more than a decade and worked with in Cleveland and Boston, hoping his new manager could help instill a winning culture.
It seemed to take hold quickly. The Diamondbacks did not fall below .500 at any point during the season. They reached 50 wins on June 28, the best start in franchise history; they won 13 consecutive games from Aug. 24 to Sept. 6, the team’s longest win streak ever; and they clinched a wild-card berth on Sept. 24, defeating the Marlins in a walk-off.
Lovullo quickly won over the clubhouse, ingratiating himself with players for his ability to communicate and his willingness to put trust in them. His pitchers performed well, logging the second-best ERA in the NL, and his offense was explosive, particularly at Chase Field, where the Diamondbacks won 52 games, the second-most in franchise history.
The win for Lovullo came at the end of a year that began with disappointment. His father, Sam, died in January at age 88, living to see his son get hired but not long enough to watch him on the job.
“It’s a sad thing that he’s not here right now to see this or watch this type of year unfold,” Lovullo said. “There are times where I miss calling him or maybe getting a chance to say I love you. Those moments hurt. But I know that he knows that. I know that he’s watching me right now and he’s very proud of me. I take great comfort in knowing that.”
In voting results, Lovullo was named in the top three on 29 of 30 ballots and collected 111 points. That was well ahead of Roberts, who finished second with 55 points. Rockies manager Bud Black (43 points) was third, followed by the Brewers’ Craig Counsell (33 points), the Nationals’ Dusty Baker (25 points) and the Cubs’ Joe Maddon (three points).
“The end result is we had a good campaign,” Lovullo said. “We had a magical year. We know what it takes to get to the next level. We watched the Dodgers advance and almost win the World Series, and we got a chance to compete against them. We know what the standards are. We know what the level of excellence is, and we want to get there as fast as possible.”