Unlike Valentine, fresh from a six-year stint managing in Japan, Lovullo emphasized his desire to take the job if it's offered to him.
"I have prepared for this and am ready," he said, adding that playing for seven different managers in eight seasons, including Terry Francona, helped mold his managerial philosophies.
Francona guided the
Boston Red Sox to World Series titles in 2004 and '07.
"What you really learn is what not to do," Lovullo said. "You learn from them all, but Terry's ability to communicate and relate to players is special."
Francona was a special assistant to Shapiro between jobs in Philadelphia and Boston.
Lovullo managed 35 players at Triple-A Columbus who played this year for Eric Wedge, who was fired with six games left in his seventh season as Cleveland manager.