Sometime in the next month or so, the San Francisco Giants will hire a new manager for the third time in the last six years. Already plenty of names are flying around, some substantiated and others merely
speculated: Nick Hundley, Craig Albernaz, Rocco Baldelli, Joe Maddon, Tony Vitello, Ron Wotus, Kai Correa, seemingly every one who has played for the Giants in the last 15 years, and yes … Bruce Bochy.
It seems clear to me that Buster Posey is not entering the process with a name in mind. Perhaps with a few frontrunners, but he seems to be focused on certain traits, and will hunt for someone who checks all the boxes. I expect it to be a fairly long process; after all, Posey is probably hoping this is both the first and last time that he has to do this.
So, who do you think it will be? And who do you want it to be?
I lean towards Hundley as the answer to both questions, though it’s not clear if he wants the role. He turned down a request to interview for the position two years ago, citing his family, and it’s unknown if that has changed. But if it has, Hundley has the feel of someone who would both excel at the job, and be easy to root for along the way. He’s the rare blend of hyper-competitive, laser-focused, good-natured, and happy-go-lucky. That’s about all you can ask for in a manager. Well, that and winning a few World Series.
As for Bochy? Well, it would put a smile on my face, but I don’t particularly want it, nor do I think it’s likely. But I’ll save that for an article … check back in a few hours.
