SAN FRANCISCO – Dave Righetti was given a manager’s endorsement last night by Dusty Baker. Just another interesting aspect of the Giants managerial sweepstakes.
When Baker was asked about Righetti’s contributions as pitching coach, he didn’t hold back.
“I think Dave’s role has been tremendous,” Baker said of the pitching coach who has righted the Giants’ staff after being down 2-1 in the World Series. “The pitchers trust him. He’s honest in his assessment of what’s going on.”
Then came the key comment from Baker: “He’s like having another manager on the bench. He’s in the game all the time. He picks up things. He knows as probably as well as anybody when to say things and when not to say things.”
That’s quite an endorsement, and since Giants GM Brian Sabean has already said that he believes Righetti would make a great manager someday, it’s clear the ex-Yankee is on the path to that role.
Last Sunday, the Post reported that Righetti could be a possible successor if Baker leaves.