SF Giants Spring Training Update: Coaching staff, Ron Washington, early standouts

Earlier this week, pitchers and catchers reported to SF Giants camp. This gave new Giants manager Tony Vitello a chance to discuss the coaching staff he put together, Ron Washington's role with the club, and early camp standouts.

SF Giants Spring Training Update: Coaching staff, Ron Washington, early standouts

Coaching staff update

Vitello met with reports on Wednesday to talk about the coaching staff. The Giants finalized the coaching staff last week, even if many of those coaches had already been in Arizona for several weeks already.

Vitello confirmed that Ron Washington and Frank Anderson would travel with the team. Washington was hired as the infield coach, whereas Anderson has been brought on to be the director of pitching in the majors. These are somewhat unique roles throughout baseball, but Vitello stated that they would work the same schedule as the rest of the coaching staff.

The new Giants manager also expressed his desire to have some continuity from the prior regime. Oscar Bernard (assistant hitting), Taira Uematsu (quality control coach) and Eliezer Zambrano (bullpen catcher) were some of the holdovers from last year's staff.

Vitello added Shane Robinson and Hector Borg as first base coach and third base coach, respectively. Robinson worked as a minor league coordinator for the organization last season, but Borg has an thorough knowledge of the Giants due to his years as a player and coach. In addition to coaching first base, Robinson will also work with the outfielders.

Ron Washington's role

Washington will serve as the infield coach. Vitello mentioned that Washington was not seriously considered as the third base coach. He had a lot of experience in that role from his seven-year run with the Atlanta Braves.

Washington's focus will be on the infielders, especially on the right side of the infield. He has already been working with Luis Arráez at second base, but Rafael Devers and Bryce Eldridge are still learning the nuances of first base. The left side of the infield should be a strength on defense, with Matt Chapman at third base and Willy Adames at shortstop.

Early camp standouts

Vitello was asked about who were some of the early standounts in camp. He mentioned Blade Tidwell, Carson Whisenhunt, and Hayden Birdsong.

Tidwell pitched for Vitello during his two seasons at the University of Tennessee. The right-handed pitcher joined the Giants last summer, and posted a 1.50 ERA in 18 innings at Triple-A.

Birdsong has been a focus for the coaching staff. He flashed some potential as a mid-rotation arm in 2024, but struggled badly with his control last year. Moving from the bullpen to the rotation midway through the year proved to be a tough challenge.