Bob Melvin makes one notable policy change for Giants

Melvin said earlier in the week that his anthem policy is more about being “ready to play” than making a political statement.

“It’s all about the perception that we’re out there ready to play. That’s it,” the manager explained, via Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic. “You want your team ready to play and I want the other team to notice it, too. It’s really as simple as that.”

Giants veterans have been very receptive to the policy, which represents a big change from the way things were done under former manager Gabe Kapler. Players were allowed to do whatever they felt was best for them during the national anthem when Kapler was in charge. Kapler himself even once made a political statement by choosing not to take the field for the anthem.

In addition to the anthem rule, Melvin is also requiring players to stay in the dugout for a certain number of innings during spring training games based on their service time. Those who are in their first major league spring training must remain in the dugout for the entire game.

The Giants have missed the playoffs the last two years and in six of their last seven seasons. Melvin, who enjoyed success with the Oakland A’s and San Diego Padres before taking the Giants job, clearly wants to change the culture in San Francisco.