Red Sox fans wish they had a Torey Lovullo right about now
Oct 11, 2017, 9:55 AM | Updated: 11:41 am
Boston Red Sox interim manager Torey Lovullo sends in signals during the third inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park in Boston Saturday, Aug. 16, 2015.(AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
(AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
As news of the Red Sox firing manager John Farrell on Wednesday morning turned to guesses as to who will replace him, Boston fans began grumbling.
Part of it was because many wanted Farrell fired a year or two ago, and the reasoning had a lot to do with a former bench coach who they felt would’ve been a perfect in-house hire.
Torey Lovullo’s first year leading the Arizona Diamondbacks led to a 24-win turnaround from the season before his arrival. That the D-backs hired him away from the Red Sox last offseason became a talking point Wednesday.
And before you get worried Boston could attempt to hire away Lovullo after his one year in Arizona, hear the words of D-backs general manager Mike Hazen from his visit to the Doug & Wolf show on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station Wednesday morning.
“Torey’s our manager, and we’re lucky to have Torey as our manager,” Hazen said when asked if the Red Sox could ask him about hiring Lovullo back. “I’ve never experienced anything like that, I’m not really anticipating experiencing anything like that. I think it’s pretty atypical in our industry. Torey’s our manager.”
That reality is believed in Boston.
(Farrel’s) no-nonsense, rather restrained personality did not click with many of the players, which means that the Red Sox will likely seek a younger or at least more vibrant personality who can loosen up a clubhouse more. This Red Sox team responded well to the presence of Torey Lovullo, but he is of course not in the picture anymore, having been snatched away by the Diamondbacks. Joe Maddon, the runner-up to Terry Francona, also fits the mold of what could work in Boston, but he’s busy now with the defending world champion Cubs.
But this went beyond the news clippings.
Even searching Twitter for the very specific words “Lovullo,” “oh” and “wait” brought up an extensive feed of Boston fans suggesting the Red Sox hire their former bench coach.
Beyond that, Lovullo’s following in Boston holds strong.
As an interim manager for 49 games, he led the Red Sox to 28 wins. That hasn’t been forgotten by Boston fans.
I wish someone like Salvatore Anthony "Torey" Lovullo was available…
— thehojo 🇺🇸 (@thehojo) October 11, 2017
#RedSox managers I'd like to see:
1. Torey Lovullo (not gonna happen)
2. Brad Ausmus
3. Chip Hale
4. Walt Weiss
5. Gary DiSarcina— Mark D. Robertson (@MDRwrites) October 11, 2017
They should hire Torey Lovullo… oh wait, never mind. 😶
— Dave Maffucci (@dmafooch) October 11, 2017
Remember when #RedSox had Torey Lovullo as a bench coach, then let him walk to Arizona because Farrell was our guy moving forward. pic.twitter.com/BjowaqgevK
— Kevin Keith (@kevkeith8) October 11, 2017
it will be a seamless transition to Torey Lovullo. oh, nevermind.
— Afergs (@afergs13) October 11, 2017
I thought for certain John Farrell had bought himself another year. Shame they didn't come to conclusion while Torey Lovullo was still here.
— Tyler Arnold (@TRS_TylerArnold) October 11, 2017
Biggest mistake next to not firing John Farrell sooner was letting Torey Lovullo go to AZ. The search is now on for a replacement.
— Nick Hamelin (@NickHamelin) October 11, 2017
Hey I think that Torey Lovullo guy would have been a good fit
— Daniel Swain (@danswain27) October 11, 2017
Sox should've promoted Torey Lovullo when they had the chance #ByeJohn
— Brendan Stanton (@realSEVENEIGHT) October 11, 2017
Hey, at least the Red Sox still have that great bench coach Torey Lovullo they can name manager. Oh wait…
— Tom Joyce (@TomJoyceSports) October 11, 2017
If only we could've had Torey Lovullo on staff to promote…….. oh wait…..we did https://t.co/lWBQtsAt63
— Harrison Sillings (@twitch_35) October 11, 2017
