Tony Vitello-Bryce Harper connection makes one wonder what could've been for SF Giants

According to a report from Shayna Rubin at the San Francisco Chronicle, new SF Giants manager Tony Vitello sought advice from multiple MLB players after he was hired in the offseason – mostly notably, Philadelphia Phillies superstar first baseman Bryce Harper.

Per Rubin, "Harper was one of the big leaguers who offered Vitello advice on how to handle MLB players." The two reportedly became friends over the past several years after Harper bought a house in Knoxville, Tennessee where Vitello was coaching the University of Tennessee baseball team at the time, so it makes sense that Harper was one of Vitello's first calls after he joined the ranks of MLB managers.

Bryce Harper has spoken highly of the Giants organization in the past

Harper has long shown a great deal of respect for the Giants, and his response to their hiring of Vitello was no exception. He spoke highly of both Vitello and President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey in an offseason appearance on the "Bussin' With The Boys" podcast.

"I think it’s one of the best hires around... Buster [Posey] did a great job. I mean, Buster wanted him. I think being able to have Buster as your president and GM, there’s nothing like it. I mean, Posey is one of the best to ever do it as well, so I think the big thing for Tony was like, ‘Hey, I want to be able to come in and be myself. I don’t want to have to change, or I don’t want to have to listen to this guy or this guy.’"

Bryce Harper

Harper has previously shared that the Giants were runners-up to the Phillies in his free agency, and his appreciation for quality managerial talent was a big reason why. He mentioned that the impending retirement of then-manager Bruce Bochy was a major factor in his decision to choose Philadelphia over San Francisco (though ironically, Harper's manager his first season with the Phillies was Gabe Kapler, who succeeded Bochy as the Giants' skipper the following year).

The Giants' pursuits of top free agents over the past several years have largely come up empty, but Harper is perhaps their most painful miss in light of his stated affection for so many members of their organization. It should be noted that he is a world-class panderer, so perhaps his statements should be taken with a grain of salt, but it is still hard for fans not to imagine how much fun it would be to have his name written into Tony Vitello's lineup every day. With manager Rob Thomson getting axed in Philly and the Phillies sporting a 9-19 record, Harper may wish he was playing for Vitello too.

Instead, they are left hoping that Harper's praise will ring true, and that Vitello will live up to his billing and be able to get the most out of a Harper-less roster – perhaps with the help of some advice from his friend in Philadelphia.

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