New San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello is still adjusting to the title, but the reality of the job is beginning to sink in.

In an interview with Matt Lively of CBS Sports Bay Area, Vitello described the transition as a “slow burn,” marked by milestone moments — his introductory press conference, walking into Oracle Park, and putting on a Giants jersey. But now that spring work is underway, the pageantry has given way to purpose.

“Time is precious,” Vitello said, noting that being around the team daily serves as a welcome distraction from the “fluff” that accompanies a managerial hire. “It’s good to just get down to business.”

Part of that business during the offseason involved building relationships with players before formal workouts began. Vitello made a point to connect with them in informal settings, emphasizing the difference between coaching college athletes and managing professionals.

“It’s just a different vibe when it’s an adult that’s a professional,” he explained. Spending time away from the field, he added, created a refreshing tone and allowed for more personal conversations.

Vitello also acknowledged the value of Giants legend Bruce Bochy, though he admitted he hasn’t tapped into the former manager as much as he hopes to.

A couple of shared meals and conversations at league events, however, left a lasting impression. Hearing Bochy’s perspective was “an honor” and “invaluable,” Vitello said, adding that he expects to lean on him as a resource throughout the season.

When asked about comparisons between his turnaround at Tennessee and the current state of the Giants, a franchise that won three World Series titles in five years during the Buster Posey playing era, Vitello embraced the “sleeping giant” label.

“Sleeping giant’s good with me because we’re the Giants,” he said with a smile, before turning serious. Hard work, he stressed, remains the common denominator. Only one team lifts the trophy each year, but there are meaningful benchmarks along the way that define progress.

Off the field, Vitello has quickly grown fond of San Francisco. His early review? “Good food,” he said, praising the city’s diversity of options and welcoming feel.

As a self-described Midwest guy, he finds the Bay Area unpretentious and comfortable. He’s also taken note of the collaborative sports culture, where franchises appear connected and motivated not to be “the weak link.”

He doesn’t yet have a go-to restaurant, though Joe’s made an impression — but one constant remains: wherever he goes, he runs into Giants fans eager for the season.

Now, Vitello says, it’s up to the club to make sure that excitement carries deep into the fall.

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