Posey says two legendary former SF Giants managers helped vet Tony Vitello

SF Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey surprised a lot of people with his decision to hire Tony Vitello as the next manager. However, Vitello got a stamp of approval from two legendary former Giants managers.

Following Vitello's introductory press conference last Thursday, Posey spoke with some members of the media and revealed that he consulted with two Giants greats before deciding to hire Vitello:

“Talked to a lot of people, as I mentioned. Spent some time talking to Dusty, to Boch recently. Yeah, and a handful of others I'm probably not thinking of. But obviously, I have a tremendous amount of respect for Dusty and for Boch. They came away feeling very positive about the person.”

Tony Vitello was vetted by two legendary SF Giants managers

It makes a lot of sense that Posey consulted with Dusty Baker who was the manager of the Giants from 1993 to 2002 as well as Bruce Bochy who Posey played under for every season of his professional career except his last one and led the franchise to three World Series titles.

This makes even more sense in light of the news that the Giants are planning to bring Bochy back into the fold in an advisory role with the organization, similar to the role that Baker currently holds.

There was some thought after the Giants fired Bob Melvin that they would try to bring Bochy back especially after Bochy and the Texas Rangers decided to mutually part ways. However, Posey made it clear early in the process that Bochy coming back as manager was not in the cards.

There was some fear that Bochy might reprise his role as manager of the San Diego Padres after that job opened up, but thankfully it looks like he will be returning to the Giants in some capacity.

It is unclear whether Vitello talked directly with Baker or Bochy as part of his interview process, but at the very least Posey sought both of their counsel as he made this decision. This should go a long way to assuage the fears of some fans who may have concerns about Vitello given his lack of experience in professional baseball.

If Posey, Baker, and Bochy all sign off on the guy, then those are three of the most trusted voices among Giants fans which will go a long way to buy Vitello some credibility initially.

Vitello gave a shout out to Baker and Bochy as well as other Giants legends in his press conference which was a nice nod to the past as he embarks on a mission to usher in a new golden era of Giants baseball.