The San Francisco Giants appear to be all in on Tony Vitello — a move that, if it happens, would be monumental. The Giants clearly like what Vitello is preaching, and in particular, Buster Posey seems to be captivated by the Tennessee head coach. While no formal decision has been made, Vitello has reportedly pitched Posey on a vision centered around beating the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“He’s the guy who probably convinced Buster Posey he could beat the Dodgers,” an industry source said. “No doubt in my mind that he walked in and said that. Just give me the horses.”
If Vitello does end up going to San Francisco, it would be an unprecedented move. However, on Sunday he was still at Tennessee, attending Volunteers practice in Knoxville. This is because Vitello is genuinely torn between staying at the program he built or accepting what many believe is his dream job.
“I don’t think some understand how odd it is that Tony Vitello didn’t immediately accept an offer to become an MLB manager. For a college coach to even consider staying is testament to how torn he is about the decision. Giants are a good org with arguably the world’s best park,” WBIR’s Wes Rucker wrote.
Vitello is facing what may be the toughest decision of his life. It won’t be easy.
“Hard to think of many college coaches who wouldn’t accept that offer while ripping off the arm of whoever extended it to them. Vitello loves Knoxville. He loves UT. This is HARD for him,” Rucker posted.
Vitello is simply the best thing to happen to Tennessee baseball in years, and he’s deeply beloved there. Still, the Giants present a truly attractive destination. He’s expected to make his final decision within the next day or two.
This entire situation is a calculated risk for the Giants. If Vitello is hired, it would mark a leap no one in MLB has made before. But if he turns them down, the Giants will have spent valuable time waiting — and that could cause them to miss out on other highly sought-after candidates.
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