New SF Giants manager Tony Vitello takes high road after Joe Maddon's comments

There has been a mini-controversy in recent days after former MLB manager Joe Maddon called Tony Vitello's hiring as manager of the SF Giants "insulting." Vitello has chosen to take the high road in addressing these remarks.

In speaking to John Shea of the San Francisco Standard, Vitello had the following to say: "I get it. I just wonder if he’ll still take my call, because he was on my list of people that I wanted to call and seek out advice."

Tony Vitello takes the high road after Joe Maddon's comments

This is the perfect way to neutralize something like this. Vitello did not take the bait by getting defensive or attacking Maddon. Instead, he said that he still believes he has something to learn from the veteran manager which displays a humility that runs counter to the popular image of him as a bit of a cartoon character based on the way he conducted himself in the college ranks.

Maddon did not completely denounce the hiring of Vitello. He said that he wished Vitello nothing but the best and said the hire could work out well, but the fact that he led with the word "insulting" was a bit harsh so he should probably apologize to Vitello since he had to know that is what was going to get the headline.

Giants broadcaster Duane Kuiper took issue with Maddon's remarks, saying that he was insulted by Maddon saying he was insulted. Maddon's remarks have been rightly criticized so it probably would not do well to kick a dead horse.

It is understandable why Maddon would be a bit jealous or feel slighted that a coach like Vitello with no major league experience would get a job while he remains unemployed. But that is the nature of major league baseball these days. Teams have trended towards hiring managers without much prior experience and it has worked quite well in the case of Stephen Vogt with the Cleveland Guardians who has won AL Manager of the Year in his first two years on the job.

We will see if Vitello can have similar success as a first-time manager. It seems the Giants are betting he can provide value with the skills and new personnel he brings to the table. It is a good sign that he has taken the high road on the whole Maddon saga and he will have experienced managers like Dusty Baker and Bruce Bochy in his corner. For what it's worth, I'd take their advice over Maddon's any day of the week.