"For rookie manager Tony Vitello, the next 40-or-so days in the desert will be his last opportunity to prepare to make the jump from collegiate head coach to major-league manager. For Bryce Eldridge, this will be an opportunity to win a spot on the Opening Day roster. There's also the World Baseball Classic, which coincides with Cactus League play. In the coming days, we'll roll out previews of the specific position groups. For now, here's a general overview ahead of pitchers and catchers reporting."
"There have been college head coaches who have managed in the majors, the most recent example being the Milwaukee Brewers' Pat Murphy. Unlike Murphy and others, Vitello is jumping straight from college to the majors with no professional experience as a player, as a coach, or as a manager. Vitello will have plenty of support as he prepares for his first season as the Giants' manager."
Spring training opens as pitchers and catchers report Wednesday. The Giants' spring is filled with intrigue including rookie manager Tony Vitello making the jump from collegiate head coach to major-league manager. Bryce Eldridge will compete for an Opening Day roster spot. The World Baseball Classic will overlap with Cactus League play. Vitello lacks professional playing or coaching experience but will have assistance from veteran coaches Ron Washington and Jayce Tingler and advisors Bruce Bochy, Dusty Baker and Ron Wotus. The desert month will present a new, expanded preparation challenge compared with college fall ball. The roster includes the highly touted prospect Luis Hernandez.
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