Last July, the San Francisco Giants dealt right-handed pitcher Tyler Rogers to the New York Mets for three players. One of those players was center fielder Drew Gilbert. Within one week of being in the Giants' organization, Gilbert was called up from the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats.

In 100 at-bats with the MLB club, Gilbert showed off his defensive skills even if his at-bats weren't too impressive from a numbers standpoint.

Next season, though, Gilbert will be able to look in the Giants' dugout and see a familiar face. Tony Vitello, who was Gilbert's head coach at the University of Tennessee, is now the lead man for San Francisco.

Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey has put his trust in Vitello to help the ballclub improve from its .500 record last season under Bob Melvin. Posey even brought on a veteran voice to be around for Vitello to ask for guidance and suggestions if needed.

Who was that? None other than Bruce Bochy, who has some World Series history with the Giants. Bochy and the Texas Rangers decided to part ways after last season, opening the door for Bochy's return to the Bay Area. Bochy will serve as a senior adviser to Posey this coming season.

So, what does Gilbert hope to accomplish under Vitello's leadership on a major-league level?

Back in October when news broke about the Giants hiring Vitello, Gilbert had some nice things to say about his old college coach.

"I wouldn’t be here without him," Gilbert said in an MLB.com article. "I know it’s kind of a cliché line to say, but that’s true. I think he pushed me to places in college that I didn’t think I could get to, whether it be mentally or physically.

"Baseball has not been the same for me since I haven’t played for him," Gilbert said. "That’s just being completely honest. Playing for him was different. It was different than anything I’ve experienced, and I mean that in the best way possible."

In limited action late last season, Gilbert posted a .190 batting average while hitting three home runs with 13 RBIs. Gilbert's slash line was .190/.248/.598. Vitello, remembering back in his collegiate days with Gilbert on his team, will know how to work with the center fielder from the get-go.

So, when the Giants' players report to Spring Training for Cactus League play, look for Gilbert to be quite busy working on his fielding as well as hitting efforts. Vitello will make sure that Gilbert is positioned to succeed in all facets of his game.

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