Tony Vitello officially stepped into his new role as manager of the San Francisco Giants on the field for the first time and, while the day carried plenty of energy, his message was rooted in perspective, preparation, and process rather than immediate results.

Speaking after the club’s first official workout under his leadership, Vitello acknowledged the excitement surrounding day one while stressing that meaningful progress is built gradually.

Vitello noted that the size of the group was larger than what he had typically managed at this stage in his career, but the enthusiasm was unmistakable.

According to him, the players were “locked in,” with the session serving largely as an introduction and an opportunity for everyone to understand where the coaching staff is coming from.

Without the benefit of longstanding recruiting relationships, Vitello made it clear that communication was a priority, ensuring that every player had at least some direct contact with the staff leading into camp.

One of the more unique aspects of the transition, particularly on the pitching side, has been adjusting to the media scrutiny that comes with a high-profile baseball environment.

Vitello compared the attention in San Francisco to his experiences in the Southeastern Conference, where expectations are intense, and coverage is constant. He came to the Giants after serving as head baseball coach at the University of Tennessee.

He emphasized that with scrutiny comes high standards, something he welcomes rather than avoids.

Vitello also highlighted the abundance of organizational resources available to both staff and players, pointing out that the responsibility now falls on the team to fully utilize what’s in place.

From support personnel to facilities, he believes the Giants have created an environment designed to allow players to focus solely on performing and improving. That same structure, he said, has made his own transition smoother.

Calling this his favorite time of year, Vitello explained that once the season preparation begins, everything narrows to the team itself.

With recruiting and external distractions removed, the focus becomes building relationships, sharpening routines, and getting players ready for the grind ahead. He views each day as an opportunity to bring the group closer together.

While the first workout carried extra excitement, Vitello cautioned against overreaction. No games are won in February, and nothing from the offseason can be changed now.

Instead, his early impression of camp was simple: a strong start, a motivated group, and a long road ahead that would be defined by daily commitment rather than day-one impressions.

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