SAN FRANCISCO -- When the Giants' decision-makers convene to discuss selecting the club's next general manager, don't underestimate manager Bruce Bochy's influence.
Bochy remains one of baseball's most respected managers, despite the Giants' back-to-back losing seasons. He earned his lofty reputation years before he steered San Francisco to its trio of World Series championships.
When general manager Bobby Evans stepped down on Monday, it didn't affect the status of Bochy, who maintains a close relationship with Brian Sabean, San Francisco's executive vice president of baseball operations. Sabean will now assume a "global position," while the new GM will report directly to team president Larry Baer, with full authority over baseball operations.