San Francisco Giants Hire Formerly Fired Gabe Kapler

On Tuesday, Farhan Zaidi dipped back into the pool of former Dodger associates to fill the San Francisco Giants’ managerial opening. Now, Gabe Kapler will succeed Felipe Alou, Dusty Baker, and most recently Bruce Bochy in the Bay Area.

Just last week, the Giants narrowed the list of candidates to three finalists – Kapler, Houston Astros bench coach Joe Espada and Tampa Rays bench coach Matt Quatraro.

I have to say, the Kapler hiring seems a little bit out of nowhere. Indeed, the ties between Kapler and Zaidi date back years; it seems like the Giants are settling to a degree.

For instance, Kapler had a record 161-163 with the Phillies. This includes an 81-81 campaign in 2019 that got him relieved of his duties. Certainly, the roster he had in Philadelphia was more talented then the one he will work with over the course of his three-year pact with the Giants.

It’s official! Please join us in welcoming our new Manager, Gabe Kapler.#SFGiants pic.twitter.com/YWQWUqp4JP

— SFGiants (@SFGiants) November 13, 2019

Here is Zaidi’s quote on the hiring:

“Gabe’s someone obviously I worked with for three years and got to know personally and obviously know very well from a professional standpoint,” Zaidi said. “I feel really optimistic and confident that once our fan base gets to know him, they’re going to know the person I’ve known personally and professionally and be really excited about him as our next manager. There have been some portrayals of him publicly that I don’t even recognize.”

It should be an interesting couple years in San Francisco. But if we’re being honest, it won’t be all that interesting. Easily my least favorite team to watch in baseball.