Tony Vitello finally listened to SF Giants fans on Daniel Susac, and it backfired

If one were to look at any social media post of an SF Giants lineup in the past week or so that does not have Daniel Susac starting at catcher, there will be at least a few replies bemoaning the fact that the rookie catcher is not starting over Patrick Bailey.

The Susac vs. Bailey debate is currently raging amongst Giants fans. The chorus in favor of the hot-hitting rookie is loud, but there are certainly cooler heads reminding those fans about Patrick Bailey's defensive prowess and the fact that Susac has had less than 10 career at-bats in the big leagues.

Daniel Susac finally looks human for SF Giants

The 24-year-old did have six hits in his first seven career at-bats and has been mighty impressive when given an opportunity. Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow has even advocated for the team to ride the hot hand with its rookie.

Manager Tony Vitello decided to listen to the chorus on Saturday night against the Baltimore Orioles. The only problem is that the move backfired.

The Giants were down by four runs in the ninth inning and got off to a nice start with both Jung Hoo Lee and Heliot Ramos reaching base via single against Baltimore's closer Ryan Helsley. Bailey was due up, but after going hitless in his first three at-bats on the night Vitello decided to pinch hit with Susac.

Here it was. The moment the Susac Stans had all been waiting for. He was about to hit his first career home run to make it a one-run game and inspire an epic comeback for the...and then he hit a ground ball that got turned for a double play.

Back to reality, ope, there goes gravity...

It was a bold move by Vitello. Helsley is a right-handed pitcher and Susac has had most of his success this season against left-handed pitching. Bailey, a switch hitter, hits better left-handed and while he has certainly gotten off to a slow start at the plate this season, Giants fans know that his best at-bats usually come late in the game with runners on base.

It's easy to second-guess it now, but the double play killed any momentum and the game ended with the next batter.

Does Vitello pinch hitting with Susac harm Bailey's confidence going forward? Does the controversy deepen even more?

It's tough to say at this point, but this debate does not seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. While Vitello may have pushed the wrong button on Saturday night, Susac has a chance to redeem himself on Sunday as he is in the lineup to face left-handed starter Cade Povich.

If Susac has yet another solid game at the plate, expect the chorus to rise once again in favor of more playing time for the rookie even though he didn't succeed when his number was called on Saturday. The guy can't get a hit every time, after all.