Torey Lovullo Reshuffles Diamondbacks Coaching Staff
In a strategic move aimed at optimizing the Arizona Diamondbacks’ coaching structure, manager Torey Lovullo has announced a significant reshuffle within the team’s staff. This shift comes on the heels of the appointment of J.R. House as the new third-base coach, a role that will encompass responsibilities beyond the traditional duties of holding and sending runners.
New Role for J.R. House
With House stepping into his new position, he will also take on the critical task of serving as the catching coach. This dual role marks a notable change from the previous setup, where bench coach Jeff Banister handled the catching responsibilities. Lovullo took a moment to clarify the reasoning behind this adjustment during a recent press conference, emphasizing that it was not a reflection of Banister’s coaching skills but rather a strategic alignment of roles within the coaching staff.
Lovullo expressed his vision for Banister, stating that he wanted him to transition closer to an “assistant manager” role. This change aims to free Banister from the complexities of catching duties, allowing him to focus more on managerial responsibilities and support Lovullo’s vision for the team.
Focus on Managerial Duties
“I wanted to strip him of everything I possibly could, so he can focus on one thing: being closer to me and being more like a manager, thinking like a manager,” Lovullo explained. He acknowledged that while the tangible changes in the day-to-day operations may not be drastic, the impact on Banister’s focus and engagement would be significant.
In discussing the shift, Lovullo noted, “If you were to ask him, what will change? I know the answer is going to be nothing, but he’s not going to have to worry about a conversation that he’s going to have with a catcher in the bullpen.” This move aims to enhance Banister’s involvement in strategy discussions and game preparations, enabling him to be more present in Lovullo’s office and engaged with the team’s day-to-day operations.
A Better Partnership for Success
Lovullo is confident that this restructuring will ultimately lead to improved performance for the Diamondbacks. He remarked, “He is totally available to me at all times, and like an assistant manager, that, to me, is going to make me better. It’s going to make the team better.” The manager believes that having Banister in this more focused capacity will strengthen their partnership and contribute positively to the team’s overall success.
Praise for J.R. House
Lovullo also took the opportunity to highlight House’s exceptional coaching skills. He anticipates that House’s unique teaching methods will greatly benefit the team, recalling his previous experiences observing House’s work in Cincinnati. “Wait until you see what some of his teaching styles are. I’m always blown away whenever we go into Cincinnati,” Lovullo stated enthusiastically.
The manager underscored the importance of having a dedicated catching coach, explaining, “J.R. is able to spend every minute of his day doing one thing, being a catching coach. Banny could, but when I pulled him away from that, he was my priority.” With House now fully committed to the role, Lovullo is eager to see the positive impact on the team’s catching performance.
In summary, this coaching reshuffle reflects Lovullo’s commitment to enhancing the Diamondbacks’ managerial structure and optimizing the team’s performance as they look toward future success.
