Giants Manager Cites 'Fire and Brimstone' Speech for Slow Start

Robbie Ray dismisses idea that emotional speeches are to blame for Giants' 0-2 start

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:04am

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New San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello believes his overly intense pre-game speech may have contributed to his team's 0-2 start to the season, but star pitcher Robbie Ray disagrees, saying the players can handle the ups and downs of a long season.

Why it matters

The Giants were expected to be a contender this year, so Vitello's comments about his speech tactics have raised questions about the team's early struggles and whether the new manager's approach is the right fit for the professional level.

The details

After losses to the Yankees on Wednesday and Friday, Vitello theorized that one of his 'fire and brimstone' speeches may have left the players too emotional and 'try-hard' to start the season. However, Ray, who pitched well in Friday's loss, dismissed the idea, saying the team can handle the early-season ups and downs. The Giants' offense has been the real issue, scoring zero runs and recording only four hits through the first two games.

  • The Giants lost to the Yankees on Wednesday, March 29, 2026.
  • The Giants lost to the Yankees again on Friday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Tony Vitello

The new manager of the San Francisco Giants, who previously coached at the college level with the Tennessee Volunteers.

Robbie Ray

The starting pitcher for the Giants in Friday's loss to the Yankees, who put together a decent outing despite the defeat.

Buster Posey

The Giants' President of Baseball Operations, who assembled the team's roster that was expected to contend this season.

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What they’re saying

“I'd put it on me a little bit. Get all fire and brimstone a few days ago. I think some good words were shared but I think, as of right now, it's a little emotional in there. There's definitely a lot of try-hards.”

— Tony Vitello, Giants Manager

“I don't think so. We're all Major League plays and we can handle it. We can handle the ups and downs. It's just one of those things that has happened the first two games. It's not ideal but like I said, you've got 160 games left.”

— Robbie Ray, Giants Pitcher

What’s next

The Giants will look to bounce back on Saturday against the Yankees before heading to San Diego for an early-season NL West matchup.

The takeaway

Vitello's comments about his intense pre-game speeches highlight the challenges of transitioning from the college to professional ranks, where players may be less receptive to that style. The Giants' early offensive struggles, not the manager's tactics, appear to be the real issue, but Vitello will need to find the right balance to get the team on track.