10/27/2006 5:43 PM ET Giants tab Bochy to be new skipper Veteran manager moves after 12 years leading San Diego By Rich Draper / MLB.com Bruce Bochy (right) holds up a jersey after being introduced by general manager Brian Sabean. (AP) SAN FRANCISCO -- The Bruce Bochy Era began Friday for the San Francisco Giants. Whether hiring Bochy to a three-year, $6 million deal to manage the Giants will translate into playoff contention or a continuation of recent results remains to be seen, but Bochy will enter the 2007 season with the team in transition. After three successive non-playoff teams under septuagenarian Felipe Alou, the Giants have turned to a younger manager and a younger team to revitalize the club. Forget the crotchety old-timers and their injury-prone ways. Bring on the kids. Bring on a championship. After initial informal talks with the 51-year-old Bochy, general manager Brian Sabean was impressed with Bochy's presence, baseball knowledge and leadership, and felt immediately the candidate was serious and excited about coming to San Francisco. "We're thrilled to get him in uniform after a long process," said Sabean. "As he stepped forward as a leading candidate, it became apparent with his experience and reputation -- not only in the league but in the division -- this is a solid move for the organization." Bochy, who managed the San Diego Padres for 12 years and led the Padres to the World Series in 1998 and to National League West titles in 1996, 1998, 2005 and 2006, felt it was time to move to another challenge with a more high- profile franchise. "Brian made a strong case for this organization, which is hungry as I am to reach and win the World Series," said Bochy. "The more I talked with Brian, the more excited I got about what I could do here. "It's no news to anybody here, this ballclub has gotten off track the last couple of years, but this is a storied franchise with a lot of great history and pride," he said. "It's an opportunity to bring winning baseball back to San Francisco." Giants president and managing general partner Peter Magowan said Bochy's knowledge of the NL West and reputation as a player's manager would be a plus in attracting good athletes to the club. Magowan said the GM and Bochy will work hand-in-hand in the rebuilding process. "We want input from the manager on what the team will look like," said Magowan. That look could still include Barry Bonds, regardless of the possible new mix of players. Will they re-sign the slugger as he continues his quest to surpass Hank Aaron's all-time homer mark of 755, or pass? Bochy will accept it either way. "I've known Barry Bonds for many years, unfortunately on the other side, seeing balls leave the ballpark," he said. "I have so much respect for Barry. This is a great player, a Hall of Famer. "If Barry Bonds is on this ballclub, I look forward to managing Barry Bonds and what he brings to a team," he said. Bochy, who departs for Japan on Monday to manage a Major League All-Star squad touring against Japanese clubs next week, said he and Sabean have already discussed potential offseason moves involving other players. With 11 free agents, including veterans Bonds, Moises Alou, Ray Durham, Pedro Feliz, Steve Finley, Shea Hillenbrand and Jason Schmidt, the Hot Stove leagues will be turned to high heat this winter. "There will be changes, but my job is to manage 25 guys on the field and get us back to winning baseball," said Bochy. "There's going to be challenges there and that's what I'm looking forward to. We have some work to do, but we have good players here and good pitchers. We plan on getting back on track." There long has been a perception from critics that Bochy doesn't work well with younger players, and that his on-field tactics have been questionable, yet ballplayers know him as a friendly, communicative man, not a yeller or screamer but a compassionate person. Giants infielder-outfielder Mark Sweeney, coincidentally at AT&T Park on Friday to help with a batting practice promotion with fans, laughed that he played under Bochy three different times with San Diego and next season it'll be his fourth. He certainly knows what makes Bochy tick. Sweeney remarked the transition from Felipe Alou to the new man should be a smooth one. "They're baseball people," said Sweeney. "I loved Felipe and he gave us the opportunity to go out there and do our jobs. I think that's where they're similar. I think Boch communicates a little better than Felipe, because Felipe let the coaches do that for him. "I'm happy for the organization and its direction," said Sweeney of Bochy's hiring. "It's going to be good for this city. This will be my fourth time with him and Boch is probably sick of me. But it's a good thing and I enjoyed being around him." Bochy, who still had one more season left on his $1.9 million contract with San Diego, denied the Padres organization was happy to see him leave. He felt he was on good terms with CEO Sandy Alderson and GM Kevin Towers, but felt he couldn't pass up the opportunity to join the Giants. And dealing with players old and new won't be an issue. "I believe in being honest and straight forward with them," Bochy said. " They'll know where I stand and how I feel. As far as my demands, they'll know me -- they'll have time to talk with me." Rich Draper is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs. -- MAKING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER MACOTO BANK --

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