The 2017 season is likely to go down as the worst of manager Bruce Bochy’s 11-year tenure with the Giants. On pace to lose 100 games, Giants CEO Larry Baer admitted to Murph & Mac on Thursday that the frustration of this hellish season has taken a toll on Boch more than anyone, but that he’s not concerned with the future Hall of Fame skipper’s ability to bounce back next season.
“I think it’s taken a toll for sure,” Baer said. “I mean it’s taken a toll on everyone, but nobody more so than the manager because he’s living and dying every pitch.”
Throughout his 23 year managerial career, Bochy has been through rough patches before, losing 96 and 98 games in consecutive seasons with the Padres in 2002 and 2003 respectively, but following that up with three consecutive winning seasons. Baer is confident that sort of turnaround can happen with the Giants.
“I’ll never forget our first dinner with him in 2007,” Baer said. “It was with Brian Sabean, Peter McGowan and myself. From that day to 11 years later, he really hasn’t changed. He’s a strong person, he understands the game intimately — he’s managed for what 22 years — and he has had years like this before and bounced back from them. I mean 2008, which was only second year managing the Giants, was a really tough year, and he came back in 2009 — just missed the playoffs, won 88 games — and you know what happened starting in 2010. So if there’s anybody that could withstand a very, very tough year like this, it’s Boch and I think that gives us great comfort. We all have to provide him the resources and give him all the support he needs, but he’s a strong guy. Big guy, strong guy and knows when these years happen you just got to get back, and marshal all the resources to get back. He’s going to be a big part of the input as we go though the offseason planning.”
Listen to the full interview below. For Baer’s comments on Bochy, skip to the 8:30 mark.