LAS VEGAS — Managers don’t usually attend the GM Meetings, but for a second straight November, Tony Vitello has joined the Giants front office in Las Vegas.A year ago at this time, Vitello had a staff to put together. This offseason, it’s more about reshuffling.
The Giants have made several changes to the group since the end of a wildly disappointing season, most notably a parting of ways with hitting coach Hunter Mense, who was in San Francisco for just one season. They also have changed their pitching hierarchy and will have a new first base coach.
The last decision will make some history, as Taira Uematsu will become the first Japanese base coach in MLB history. Uematsu, already the first MLB coach to be born and raised in Japan, has been with the organization since 2006, originally getting hired as a bullpen catcher in Triple-A. He was the MLB bullpen catcher from 2008 through 2021, when Gabe Kapler promoted him.
“History aside, Taira is one of the most loyal, dedicated people I’ve ever been around,” Posey said Tuesday. “He’s one of the hardest workers. He really grew on Tony last year with...