Pablo Sandoval - Panda Watch 2015
By Brian Posada
It didn't take long for the Boston Media to bash their new $95 million dollar third basemen. A recent Yahoo Article serves as a reminder of just why Pablo Sandoval left San Francisco despite three rings in seven seasons as a Giant.
If Pablo thought moving 3,000 miles to Beantown would help him avoid the weight jokes and criticism, he was incredibly wrong.
At least his newly found teammates had his back, poking fun at the media's harsh headliners. It's a reminder that all is fun and games until a franchise doesn't win.
It seems Pablo has always had unfair expectations placed on him. Since his strong rookie campaign, at only 22 years old, Pablo hit 25 homeruns and .330 -- the switch hitter was quickly a fan favorite and nick named the "Panda" due to his round figure and great on field personality. The fact that he could hit like the Great Bambino was only a pleasant surprise. For a big guy, he moves very quick on his feet and also fields a great third base. It's clear why Boston ponied up the money to sign him through the prime of his career.
What many casual fans probably did not know, Sandoval has had his weight issues since he entered the league. For better or worse, the guy found a way to win and most importantly, hit! Pablo is always a gold-glove caliber defensive player. And too often the media uses his weight as a cheap shot for headliners.
Pablo plays hard. He plays baseball the right way and has fun doing it. I fully expect his numbers to go up in Boston and for Pablo to be a great presence in the clubhouse. Being surrounded by the likes of Hanley Ramirez and David Ortiz is a plus. Boston's small right field dimensions will help Pablo immensely who batted.319 last years a lefty. One negative, Pablo struggles on the right side of the plate and always has.
As a Giant fan I wish Pablo the best of luck, except for when we have to beat Boston in the 2015 World Series.The San Francisco Giants and Boston Red Sox have a good shot of meeting in the championship series if they can both win a tough Eastern AL division and Western NL division. Stay tuned for more Panda Watch 2015.
