Grade Lovullo

[krazy2k]

Now that the 2024 season is in the rear view mirror for the DBacks, how would you grade Torey Lovullo's performance as manager? Here are my grades:

Overall Good Guy - A (he's a buddy to all)
Overall In-Game Management - C+ (Average to slightly above average overall - had some real head scratchers but also pulled off some miracles)
Bullpen Management - F (the failure in this area is why the DBacks are NOT in the postseason)
Starting Pitching Management - B- (often took out starters who were not struggling or beyond desired pitch count - but did deal with several injuries to the starting staff)
Starting Lineup Construction - B+ (when injuries took their toll on the "every day" players, Torey fielded lineups that actually outperformed the regular starters when they came back from injury)

I don't think Lovullo will ever win a World Championship while with the DBacks, but they are competitive - much like the St. Louis Cardinals under OliPad and MO Mozeliak.

 

[Chris_Sanders]

His GM thinks he is an A so my grade doesn't matter

 

[Chris_Sanders]

But if I had to give a grade it's super complicated. In the moment he frustrates the heck out of me but big picture he is quite good.

He got us to the world series on a dime store budget. He increased his win total despite crazy injuries all year.

Game day like a C but overall Hazen has it right he is an A

 

[82CardsGrad]

My views won’t be a surprise to anyone…
I respect the hell outta Torey. He’s lasted this long with a franchise that, until recently, was a disaster.
But he & Hazen had a plan and as far as I’m concerned, their plan has panned out quite well.
Give Hazen & Torey a payroll even close to that of the Yankees, Dodgers, Padres, Mets or Phillies and I have no doubt they’d secure at least one, but more likely several championships.

Hazen is a shrewd deal-maker and has assembled a team of talent evaluators that have proven to be top-tier.
And again, as far as I’m concerned, Torey is a Top 5 manager in MLB… maybe top 3.
The odds are extremely high for 2025 to be an exciting and memorable season.