Spring training optimism was in full swing when San Francisco Giants' rookie manager, Tony Vitello, made a memorable remark. He quipped that he’d “pay good money” to watch talents like Rafael Devers and Robbie Ray in action. A charming nod to his baseball enthusiasm, yes, but now it's a bit ironic given the Giants are indeed paying him top dollar-reportedly the highest for a first-time manager-to seemingly just observe.
The Giants' start to the season has been rough, to say the least. After an Opening Night debacle, a one-hit disappointment on Friday, and a series sweep by the Yankees where they scored just once in three games, questions about Vitello's impact are already surfacing.
Vitello himself mused whether he might have gotten his team “too fired up” before the series. It’s a curious thought, especially since he was brought in to inject energy after Bob Melvin’s more laid-back approach.
But where was this fire on the field? If it was there, it was hard to spot.
Now, let’s be fair. Transforming a team doesn’t happen overnight, and three games is a tiny sample. But still, fans expect to see some signs of a manager’s influence.
In the first two games, Vitello had little room to maneuver. The lineup, a collaborative creation with the front office, struggled mightily. However, Game 3 offered a glimpse of competitiveness, yet Vitello seemed passive.
A pivotal moment came in the fifth inning when Vitello chose not to pitch around Aaron Judge with lefty specialist Ryan Borucki on the mound. Judge, facing a favorable matchup, promptly sent a pitch out of the park. Given Borucki's career splits, it seemed a questionable decision not to avoid giving Judge anything to hit.
Later, with lefty Tim Hill pitching to Jung Hoo Lee, who struggles against left-handers, Vitello didn’t opt for a right-handed pinch hitter, despite having options on the bench. Lee struck out quickly, and it felt like a missed opportunity to make a strategic move.
Managing isn’t easy, and it’s simple to critique decisions after the fact, especially after a tough series. But so far, Vitello’s tenure has been marked by inaction rather than bold moves.
The Giants faced a formidable Yankees team, loaded with talent and pitching depth. It was never going to be easy. But for Vitello, who entered with skepticism surrounding him, the urgency to make his mark is already palpable.
The Giants were hoping for V-Ball-bold, confident, and maybe a bit unconventional. So far, it hasn’t materialized. Fans are eager to see Vitello put his stamp on this team, and soon.