Giants working through an offseason reshuffle to Tony Vitello's coaching staff

Tony Vitello Giants working through an offseason reshuffle to Tony Vitello's coaching staff The San Francisco Giants are expected to make a few moves to manager Tony Vitello's coaching staff this offseason. By Alex Pavlovic, Giants Insider • Published 4 hours ago • Updated 4 hours ago 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. Watch NBC Bay Area News free wherever you are WATCH HERE 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 his communication with him, so I'm personally really excited for Taira. He's been here longer than I've been here, and to see the work that he's put in, I know he's going to be really excited for the opportunity." Shane Robinson, last season's first base coach, had family reasons for taking on a role working with Giants minor leaguers. Third base coach Gary Pettis will be back after taking over for Hector Borg during the season, and Posey said Ron Washington will return to coach the infielders. After spending last season on the bench, Ron Wotus will return to a front office role. The Giants are also still working through things with catching coach Alex Burg, who might have opportunities elsewhere. The biggest hole to fill is the hitting coach job, but Posey said they're "pretty close" to making an announcement. Mense left for the Kansas City Royals in part because of his own family obligations. His wife works for the Kansas City Chiefs and they have two young children. San Francisco Giants Harrison Bader 19 hours ago Giants, Harrison Bader close to resolving contract dispute from scooter accident Willie Mays 20 hours ago U.S. Postal Service to release stamp honoring Giants legend Willie Mays in 2027 A source confirmed to NBC Sports Bay Area that San Francisco is in discussions with New York Yankees hitting coach James Rowson, which FanSided's Robert Murray first reported on Wednesday. On the pitching side, the Giants have tried to streamline things. Justin Meccage will be a firm No. 1, with Frank Anderson assisting him and Jesse Chavez remaining as bullpen coach. Last season, there was some ambiguity as Meccage was pitching coach but Anderson was director of Major League pitching. The big change is with Christian Wonders, who now will oversee minor leaguers after serving as the assistant pitching coach last season. It is a crucial role in 2027, as the Giants should have a strong Double-A rotation led by Jackson Flora, and they are coming off a pitching-heavy draft. "That's the hope and thought," Posey said. "I really have enjoyed getting to know Christian. I think he's a super-bright guy and I'd say he's a doer type of personality. “My hope is that, yes, (with the top prospects) you want them to continue to develop and get better, but hopefully he's a guy that can kind of push some of those teetering players over the edge and into a positive direction. I'm excited to see him work." Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast This article tagged under: Tony Vitello