By Jordan Long
The San Francisco Giants hired their next manager. They have been searching for one since Bruce Bochy decided to retire at the end of the season. Bochy ended his Giants career with a record of 1052-1054. San Francisco went to the playoffs 4 times under him and won 3 World Series titles. The Giants announced Gabe Kapler will be taking over.
San Francisco’s coaching search was narrowed down to 3 names last week, Gabe Kapler, Houston Astros’ Bench Coach Joe Espada, and Kansas City Royals’ Quality Control Coach Pedro Grifol. Espada and Grifol didn’t have managerial experience while Kapler did. In the end the Giants decided to hire Kapler.
According to CBSsports.com, President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi said, “Our top priority in the next manager was to find someone who can build strong relationships with our players, coaches, front office and fans, and someone who has the drive and desire to win. After an exhaustive and comprehensive search, we are delighted to welcome Gabe Kapler as the next manager of the San Francisco Giants.”
Kapler doesn’t have that much experience as a manager. He managed the Philadelphia Phillies the past two years. They didn’t live up to expectations, especially last season, when they added outfielder Bryce Harper. Harper was expected to add to the offense, but they failed to make a playoff appearance finishing the season at 81-81. Kapler went a disappointing 161-163 in Philadelphia.
The Giants had been eyeing Kapler since he was let go by Philadelphia. One of the big reasons they hired him is because of Zaidi’s past working relationship with Kepler. Zaidi was the General Manager of the L.A. Dodgers from 2014 to 2018. Kapler was with the Dodgers organization from 2014 to 2017 serving as the Dodgers’ Director of Player Development. With both of them, the Dodgers won the National League West Division every year but didn’t win a pennant or a World Series.
The Giants are hoping Kapler can turn the Giants back into a winner once again. He will have plenty of time to do so. San Francisco gave him a 3-year contract which is a start. It is possible if the team plays well and makes the playoffs, the deal will be extended. If they fail to make the postseason, Kapler might be gone after 3 seasons.
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