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Giants' Tony Vitello Shares Admission About Managing in MLB

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joey Mistretta | Last updated Mar 29, 2026 1:11 PM ET

The San Francisco Giants have endured a difficult start to the season, as they were swept by the New York Yankees in their three-game opening series. New manager Tony Vitello is still making the adjustment to managing at the MLB level. While being interviewed during the Giants' 3-1 loss to the Yankees on Saturday, Vitello commented on his adjustment to the big leagues.

"I think, I can't talk down to guys anymore," Vitello said. "They're my age, or it feels like they are close to it. But in all honesty, I think there's just so many more people involved. There's more people in the stands. There's more people in the clubhouse. It truly is a manager position, not just a head coach position.

"But the thing I like doing more than recruiting or managing is coaching, so just trying to fill in spots when I can and help these guys out."

Managing an MLB team is much different than coaching in college. Sure, it still is baseball, but there are plenty of changes and different elements of the roles to consider. Vitello has to manage a pitching staff and bullpen for 162 games. He is trying his best to keep his best position players fresh, which can certainly be a challenge throughout a long MLB season.

He will surely make the adjustment, but it could take time.

Giants Off to Difficult Start in 2026

San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello © Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

The Giants' have had an all-around difficult start to the season, but the offense has been especially bad. San Francisco's lineup managed to push only one run across the board against the Yankees in the three-game series. The team had just 13 total hits as well. The Giants have yet to hit a home run.

The pitching had a challenging start on Opening Day after surrendering seven runs. They allowed only three runs in each of the final two losses against the Yankees. With minimal run support, the Giants still ended up getting swept.

There is no need to panic. The Yankees are a good team and the Giants are going through an overall transition. Anytime a new manager takes over, patience is required. It does not matter if it is a veteran big league manager or a coach coming from college baseball.

“I can’t talk down to guys anymore, they’re my age!”

Tony Vitello spoke with @Ken_Rosenthal about the biggest adjustment he’s had going from managing in college to now managing in the big leagues pic.twitter.com/vGd2eejjyc
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 29, 2026