Giants manager Tony Vitello has strongly refuted recent criticism of shortstop Willy Adames' work ethic and defensive performance, labeling the commentary "bulls–t." The remarks come after Apple TV's broadcast of the Giants' loss to the Padres on Friday, where play-by-play announcer Wayne Randazzo suggested Adames was finding it "a little harder to commit" to regular work with infield coach Ron Washington.
Vitello suggested his comments to the broadcast crew may have been misinterpreted, asserting that questioning Adames' dedication is inaccurate. "Anyone who’s around Wash, you don’t have a chance to buy in. It’s not an option. You do. And then the work is put in," Vitello stated.
Adames, who has been dealing with back issues throughout the season, was unavailable for comment. He has acknowledged that his back problems have sometimes required more time in the training room and has taken days off from pregame infield drills, though he does participate on other days.
Despite Adames' struggles, with a defensive rating of minus-12 by Outs Above Average making him the second-worst shortstop in the majors and on pace for a career-high 15 errors, Vitello defended the player's commitment. "Willy probably works harder than any offensive player we have on his swing," Vitello said, adding that Adames' offensive performance has also been below expectations with a career-low walk rate and his highest strikeout rate since 2021.
Vitello highlighted the work ethic of other infielders, including Luis Arraez at second base and Bryce Eldridge, who regularly work with Washington. "If you’re going to break down our infielders as it relates to time they invest … your first answer should be Bryce is No. 1 because he’s the youngest and he’s also learning a new position," Vitello explained, also mentioning Arraez's dedication to improving at second base.
Vitello concluded by emphasizing that outside commentary without full understanding is misguided. "Three people that plop in on one gameday, try and do quick research — I’ve done it before — you’ve got to talk like you know what you’re talking about," he said. "But you don’t know the story. … No matter what anybody says, any question of that is bulls–t."