Players responding to Lovullo’s style

Love is not a word you hear much from coaches in any sport. Torey Lovullo uses it often. The 51-year-old first-year manager of the surprising Diamondbacks has developed a symbiotic relationship with his players that’s at the core of the team’s strong start this season.

“I want to be here for these guys,” Lovullo said, “to listen to them, love them and, if they want it, advise them and do the best I possibly can for helping them be successful.” So far, so good. The Diamondbacks are 39-26, two games behind the first-place Rockies in the National League West. They have been especially dominant at home, where they have won 11 of their last 12 for an overall record of 26-9, best in the majors.

Last year, the Diamondbacks didn’t win their 26th home game until Sept. 12.

Four-time All-Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt said Lovullo deserves a big share of the credit.

“I think he’s a great communicator, but I see it in a different light,” Goldschmidt said. “He does a great job of putting himself in the shoes of whoever he’s talking to. When he talks to me, it’s almost (as if ) he knows what I’m thinking.”

Lovullo traces his communication skills to his father, Sam, who produced the hit television show “Hee Haw” for 25 years.

“I could see him conversing with just about anybody that came around him,” Lovullo said. “It was very easy for him. I might have developed that thought process at an early age.” Players love his approach. “He comes around and asks you, ‘How are your kids doing? How’s life going?’ ” catcher Chris Iannetta said. “You get the sense that he genuinely cares.”