Zaidi reiterated his belief in Kapler and his character amid criticisms of their tenure together with the DodgersGIANTS
Gabe Kapler's tenure as MLB Giants manager "opened in unusual fashion" during his introductory press conference at Oracle Park, as the majority of questions revolved around how he "handled allegations of assault by Dodgers minor-leaguers when he was in charge of the club's farm system" in '15, according to Susan Slusser of the S.F. CHRONICLE. Giants President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi -- who was Dodgers GM during the '15 incidents -- "emphasized that he and Kapler both could have done more." Zaidi "understood that there would be a strong reaction in the media and from fans" after bringing Kapler on board, but his willingness to do so despite the "inevitable backlash indicates how convinced Zaidi is that Kapler is the best fit in the dugout" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 11/14).
WORTH THE RISK? In S.F., Al Saracevic writes Zaidi "took a huge chance" hiring Kapler, with the PR campaign to "persuade the world he made the right decision" beginning yesterday. Asked why he would hire a man with so much baggage, Zaidi "calmly explained that he believes in Kapler and his character." After Kapler's hiring was announced Tuesday evening, social media "erupted with outrage and concern." Zaidi now has to "unwind that mess before he can begin to rebuild the roster and move forward" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 11/14). In Philadelphia, Scott Lauber writes it "hardly seems possible," but Kapler "actually might have been more unpopular on the first day of his new job than he was on the last day" of his time as Phillies manager (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 11/14).
