SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Tory Lovullo watched on television as San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan trudged off the field. last weekend's super bowlwas shocked that his team lost to the Kansas City Chiefs on sports' biggest stage.
Arizona Diamondbacks manager — 3 1/2 months off Lost to the Texas Rangers in the World Series –I felt that pain.
“I lived it,” Lovullo said. “I know how much heartache he was in. By observing him, it told me a story. We could have told a completely different story, but we I think we're all in the same position. We hurt for him.”
Then Lovullo started thinking about Shanahan's season. Even if he didn't reach his ultimate goal, his perspective was that from the outside looking in, the 49ers had every reason to be proud.
Suddenly, Lovullo realized that he should extend the same benefit to himself.
“That was probably the last thing I needed before coming here so I could completely turn the page and see if I was ready for today.” said Lovullo.
The defending National League champion D-Backs began spring training on Wednesday, fresh off an impressive run in the playoffs that included series wins over the Brewers, Dodgers and Phillies. That sublime run ended in the World Series, where they lost to the Texas Rangers in five games.
The comeback journey begins now, but closer Paul Sewald said his players are not getting ahead of themselves.
“I don't think anyone here is thinking about going back to the World Series. We're just trying to be the best team we can be,” he added. “Certainly our goal is to win the World Series, but it's a long-term goal. You have to set a lot of short-term goals before you reach the long-term goals.”
D-backs owner Ken Kendrick has opened up his wallet at least a little bit to try and build on last year's success. Arizona signed left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez to a four-year, $80 million contract, traded for veteran third baseman Eugenio Suarez and added slugger Joc Pederson a few weeks ago, already unanimously named National League Rookie of the Year. They strengthened their batting lineup, including the brilliant Corbin Carroll.
The starting rotation will once again be formidable, led by All-Stars Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. Rodriguez will likely slide into the No. 3 spot, with young pitchers Ryne Nelson, Brandon Fuhrt and Tommy Henry competing for the final two spots.
The D-backs still have a relatively young roster, but Sewald said the focus has changed after the team tasted success in October.
“A lot of guys were getting innings and at-bats to see if they could improve,” Sewald said. “But we're a team where nobody's developed in the big leagues. We need results.”
Division rival Los Angeles Dodgers spent more than $1 billion in free agency during the offseason, acquiring the Japanese star. Shohei Otani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Padres still have talent in Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, and the San Francisco Giants are less than three years removed from a 107-win season.
But as the D-backs proved last year, it's possible to overcome that contention.
Gallen said the offseason was short, but that's a good problem for a team that lost 110 games in 2021.
“We tried to take advantage of the holidays and try to recover everything in a short period of time,” Galen said. “But this is going to be the start of a standard for us. We have a feeling in this clubhouse that we should make it to the postseason every year. That's the goal we're striving for. ”
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