A Conversation with D-backs Manager Torey Lovullo
Torey Lovullo sat down for a more intimate and casual discussion with three of the beat writers after today's workout, and covered some interesting topics. You can listen to the full conversation in the link below. Here is a brief synopsis but be sure to check out the audio for an "Inside the Diamondbacks'" conversation.
Bullpens and Live BP's he saw today
Stefan Crichton had two solid seasons for the team in 2019-2020, posting a 3.04 ERA in 56 innings. But 2021 was quite a difficult season with an ERA of 7.33 in 31 games. He ended up getting removed from the roster and then was out a year with an elbow injury. He got into some games at the end of last year for Reno. So Lovullo was happy to see him out there today during his bullpen session and live batting practice competing and "getting after it". Crichton is in camp as non roster invitee.
Lovullo is also excited about the good young arms he saw and what they showed today. Other pitchers who threw were Drey Jameson, Ryne Nelson, Slade Cecconi and Bryce Jarvis.
Madison Bumgarner
The team has established a new indoor pitching and hitting lab. Each pitcher passes through there first to throw and establish a baseline using all of the modern measuring equipment at the team's disposal. Bumgarner threw a bullpen in that new facility yesterday and according to Lovullo looked quite good. His next bullpen is likely to come on an outdoor mound, by Monday at the latest.
Lovullo was pleasantly surprised by how much Bumgarner embraces the use of this technology. He's also a big fan of the pitch com system.
Pitcher's Fielding Practice (PFP) and Defense in General
Lovullo was focused on improving the mechanics of throwing to second base to turn the 1-6-3 double play. He emphasized that while everyone blames the bullpen, they lost some games defensively last year. Some from the mound, others from the infielders. They are also trying to anticipate in their workouts how the pitch timer might impact the pitcher's ability to adjust quickly to defensive situations and figuring out how to get that information to the pitcher as he's working to get the signs and delivery the next pitch without a violation. The term "helter skelter" was used.
Pitch Clock Impacts
Lovullo is quite concerned and worried about all the nuances and adjustments that must be made over the first month of the season. They are pulling out all stops to get their pitcher's ready for the change. He mentioned Triple-A manager Gil Velazquez giving him reassurances that despite his worries, the adjustments will go smoother than he thinks. Lovullo discussed the need for the pitchers to be in great shape because the pace to get the ball and deliver the next pitch is so accelerated. He was impressed with the pace of today's live batting practice sessions.
The hitters need to be ready too. Hitters that are more instinctual may have an advantage. The hitters are going to have to be fast thinkers. Players with a more methodical approach will need to speed things up a bit.
