Diamondbacks name Torey Lovullo as new Skipper

By administrator1 November 6, 2016 12:08

Staff Writer

Now that the dust is settling after an amazing Major League Baseball postseason, we’ll start hearing about organizational changes, player trades, free agent signings and the awards given to players for their performances during the 2016 regular season.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are already making some noise as the organization announced the hiring of their new manager.

The D-Backs have hired Torey Lovullo to replace Chip Hale, who was relieved of his duties after the season.

Lovullo who is 51 years old, has been in professional baseball for 31 season and will be making his full time managerial debut next season.

The announcement of the hiring was made by newly hired D-backs Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Hazen.

“I’m excited to have Torey as our manager,” said Hazen through a press release by the team. “We share the same goals and mindset about how to be a championship-caliber organization.”

He spent the last 4 seasons in the Red Sox’ organization as the Bench Coach under John Farrell, including a stint as the interim manager from Aug. 14, 2015-end of the season while Farrell was on medical leave.

During his time in Boston, Lovullo helped guide the Red Sox to a World Series championship in 2013 and 2 division titles (2013, ’16). He also served as Farrell’s Bench Coach for the 2014 American League All-Star Team in Minnesota. Prior to the Red Sox, he was the First Base Coach for Farrell’s staff with the Blue Jays from 2011-12.

“I appreciate the opportunity to join the D-backs family,” stated Lovullo through the press release. “I’m excited to get to work with the staff and players to help lead this organization back to title contention. I also thank the Boston Red Sox for the invaluable opportunities provided to me over the last 4 years.”

Over parts of 8 seasons, the Santa Monica, California native played with the Tigers, Yankees, Angels, Mariners, A’s, Indians and Phillies; he played collegiately at the University of California, Los Angeles from 1984-87.