It's Vitello

The Giants have yet to make the official announcement* but there's a picture of Coach V on the website and an article about the "near deal" in place.

Also, MLBTR has a confirmation from Tennessee AD Danny White that Vitello is leaving.

Amateur teams are not run by managers but rather by (head) coaches. Only professional teams have managers. Tony Vitello's entire baseball experience, from player to head coach, has taken place in the amateur realm. This is very unusual in MLB circles. Most managers come with professional experience of some kind.

It seems that Buster is a bust-a-move kinda guy. He doesn't sit back and make safe choices. He goes "all-in" on his vision. He shimmies when everyone else is still shakin'.

I think there are a few things happening. One, Buster believes players come to the big leagues not fully ready to play. They need more coaching, more development. Funny, that was Gabe Kapler's schtick! It didn't go over well. Vitello will need a different approach. Two, Buster thinks the team isn't sufficiently on top of the "little things" that come up in every game. Fundamentals and situational awareness, stuff like that. He wants a hyper-attentive captain at the helm.

Finally, the college game is increasingly professionalized. It's entirely invaded by corporate interests. Athletic budgets are in absurd territories. The whole NIL thing along with the transfer "portal" and all that crap has fundamentally changed the game. I remember when the College World Series was strictly for baseball nerds. I suspect there will be more movement between MLB and the NCAA going forward. 

Congratulations to Tony Vitello for nailing the job. Welcome to the Giants! And welcome to BusterTime™, Giants fans. Get used to the big and the bold from our kick-ass PoBO.

--M.C.

 

*they did so just a few minutes past noon Pacific Time

O Canada

The Blue Jays come from behind to nip the Mariners and secure their World Series berth. I think they are a better match for the Dodgers, but I was hoping for Seattle. LA looks like the easy favorite here with their formidable starting rotation. Time to break out the Molson's or whatever passes for Canadian brew these days.

I suppose we'll hear about the new manager soon.

--M.C.

Tony Vitello?

 MLBTR says the Giants are going to hire Tony Vitello to be the next manager.

I mentioned him earlier as a "dark horse" candidate. He's the head coach at Tennessee and has a spectacular NCAA resumé. College coaches don't usually become MLB managers. But guys don't usually throw six shutout innings and hit three homers in the same game, either. Lots of things are possible.

Buster is going to do things his way! (Assuming the rumor is true, of course.)

--M.C.