LAS VEGAS -- While D-backs general manager Mike Hazen was discussing with other teams the possibility of trading first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, manager Torey Lovullo expressed some reservations.
"I had spoken to Mike about reconsidering several times," Lovullo said Tuesday at the Winter Meetings. "I was just probably playing devil's advocate. Sometimes I would step in as a friend and at times [as] a colleague. I was attached to Paul, and it's a once-in-a-generation player. Are you sure this is something that needs to be done? [Hazen] would walk me through the steps and educate me and teach me as to why this had to happen for the organization. As I got more educated, I saw his point of view."
Goldschmidt was traded on Dec. 5 to the Cardinals for pitcher Luke Weaver, catcher Carson Kelly, Minor League infielder Andy Young and a 2019 Competitive Balance Round B pick.

Lovullo understood the reasoning behind the trade and was fully supportive of the decision by the time it was made.
While dealing Goldschmidt was a difficult decision for Hazen, it was even harder for a manager like Lovullo, who prides himself on communicating with and building relationships with his players.
"I'm probably a little more emotionally attached to Paul and this decision as I am with every player," Lovullo said. "So when something like that is taking place, it's hard for me to see it the way Mike does. But that's his job. He's flying 30,000 feet above it, and he knows what the overall perspective is. And I trust him. I trust where this organization is going. And it's his vision. I believe in that. So, when he's informing me about some of the thoughts that he's having, I support him."
Hazen and Lovullo met with Goldschmidt at Lovullo's house to deliver the trade news in person.
"And it was a sad moment for me," Lovullo said. "I didn't talk a lot because I probably couldn't. And I had a little bit of a conversation with him once Mike left that I'd like to keep private, but it meant a lot to me."