And probably a new nickname. Pablo Sandoval, he of the 100-million-dollar contract, rolled into spring training looking like a beer-league softball player.
Last year the same thing happened and the Red Sox PR staff kicked into high gear saying “it’s just his body type” and then proceeding to sell some panda crap. Then he went on to hit a measly .245 (including just TWO hits from the right side of the plate in 41 ABs) and suddenly the “he’s just big-boned” comments weren’t so funny.
Giants broadcaster Mike Krakow came out with this:
“He’s just one of those people that you want to be around. And it’s unfortunate. I mean, he has an eating disorder. It’s plain and simple. He can’t control himself.”
There is speculation that the Giants wanted a weight clause in the big man’s contract and that’s what prompted him to sign with Boston. Because, you know, why would we care about such frivolities as weight and fitness? John Farrell, short-timer Red Sox manager claimed just last month that Sandoval was 20 pounds lighter than he was at the end of the 2015 season. Dave Dombrowski added that Sandoval improved his conditioning and he isn’t concerned. I call shenanigans.
I have pretty low expectations for the 2016 season and the team hasn’t had their first full workout yet.
