Overview
- At Oracle Park, San Francisco officially presented Vitello as its 40th manager, confirming the unprecedented move from college head coach directly to an MLB dugout.
- Vitello, 47, has no professional playing or coaching experience and called the opportunity a very recent dream, telling fans, “We’re in this together now, whether you like me or not.”
- He outlined immediate plans to run offseason drills, stress fundamentals, coach players as individuals, and lean on veterans such as Matt Chapman, Willy Adames and Logan Webb.
- Buster Posey and GM Zack Minasian cited leadership, recruiting and culture-building as the reasons for the hire, with Posey noting consultations with Bruce Bochy and Dusty Baker.
- The Chronicle reported a three-year, $10.5 million agreement was finalized after negotiations, and the Giants signaled Vitello’s staff will include assistants with pro experience, following Bob Melvin’s dismissal after an 81-81 season.