The Giants are closing in on Tony Vitello as their next manager after firing Bob Melvin following a season that started strong but collapsed down the stretch. The organization decided it was time for a change after watching their August momentum completely evaporate.
“After careful evaluation, we determined that making a change in leadership was in the best interest of the team,” said Posey. “The last couple of months have been both disappointing and frustrating for all of us, and we did not perform up to our standards. We now turn our focus to identifying a new leader to guide us forward.”
Vitello’s name surfaced early in the process, though it seemed like a long shot at first. The Tennessee coach doesn’t have MLB managerial experience, but he’s built something special in Knoxville.
Now it looks like he’s waiting for San Francisco to make him an offer he can’t refuse.
Money’s going to be a factor here. The Athletic’s Andrew Baggarly notes that Vitello already makes more than $3 million annually at Tennessee — that’s more than half the managers in the majors earn. Given what he’d be leaving behind and San Francisco’s cost of living, he’s probably looking at one of the top managerial salaries in baseball.
But here’s what might have sealed the deal for Posey.
According to John Shea of the San Francisco Standard, Vitello made a pitch that got Posey’s attention: “He’s the guy who probably convinced Buster Posey he could beat the Dodgers. No doubt in my mind that he walked in and said that. Just give me the horses.”
That’s vintage Vitello right there.
The guy’s never lacked confidence, which is exactly why Tennessee’s been a college baseball powerhouse under his watch. He’s not the type to get intimidated by big moments or bigger opponents. Taking down the Dodgers? That’s a whole different challenge than anything he’s faced in the SEC, but Vitello’s track record suggests he thrives on these situations.
What makes this interesting is how Vitello’s built his program at Tennessee. He’s recruited elite talent, developed players who’ve gone on to the majors, and created a culture that expects to compete for championships every year. The question isn’t whether he can coach — it’s whether that approach translates to managing big league veterans.
From where I’m sitting, the Giants seem willing to bet it does. They’re looking at a manager who’s proven he can handle pressure, recruit talent, and isn’t afraid to make bold statements about beating the best teams in his sport.
All things considered, it’s a fascinating gamble. Vitello’s transparency and confidence clearly resonated with Posey, and that “give me the horses” mentality might be exactly what San Francisco needs to close the gap with Los Angeles.
