On the surface, Max Scherzer and the Giants seemed like an obvious fit this offseason. <\/p>\n
However, the 41-year-old starting pitcher ultimately signed a one-year contract to return to the Toronto Blue Jays last week, officially ending speculation about him joining San Francisco’s pitching staff<\/a> under new manager, and long-time friend, Tony Vitello. <\/p>\n The first-year MLB manager joined “Foul Territory” on Monday<\/a> and discussed why San Francisco did not pursue Scherzer, a free agent who many thought would land in San Francisco. <\/p>\n “We never really crossed that line … I would always joke with everyone — they would ask — and it’s not like I’m inviting this guy to a Halloween party or a social event,” Vitello said. “Again, it’s got to be a match and there’s contracts and things involved. I just know there was a really good go-back-and-forth between he and the Blue Jays and an immense appreciation for one another. <\/p>\n “It’s not my business to say his deal, but he’s pretty East Coast-flavored right now. Both sets of grandparents are there, they’ve got four kids. It’s a great match, so I’m happy for him.”<\/p>\n Vitello and Scherzer’s relationship dates back to the mid-2000s, when Vitello served as an assistant coach and recruiter at the University of Missouri, where Scherzer played from 2004-06.<\/p>\n The two have remained friends to this day and continue to keep in touch, even after Scherzer re-signed with Toronto. <\/p>\n “The group chat smack talk has already started, but it’s all very lighthearted,” Vitello added.<\/p>\n The Giants entered the offseason with multiple holes in their starting rotation and filled them with veteran arms like Adrian Houser<\/a> and Tyler Mahle<\/a>. <\/p>\n It didn’t appear Scherzer, who posted a 5.19 ERA in 85 regular-season innings, and a 3.77 ERA in 14 1\/3 playoff innings pitched, was an option. <\/p>\n