Free agent third baseman Pablo Sandoval was supposed to garner a bit of interest this offseason. Teams like the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, and the San Francisco Giants were brought up as potential suitors. However, the Tigers have been otherwised occupied. The Red Sox and Giants are joined by the San Diego Padres as the only suitors for Sandoval. But the Panda is already discussing deals with the Sox and Giants, according to reports. Both are said to be five years, although earlier in the Hot Stove season Sandoval was reportedly seeking six years.
The Giants may seem as the big favorite in the race due to the fact that Pablo has won there more than once before. He’s had great success even when the team didn’t make the playoffs and seems comfortable playing in San Francisco. The Giants want Pablo at third base and might want to try him as designated hitter (DH) in some of the team’s interleague games. I guess the only question, if any, surrounding the Giants aggressive push at Pablo is “What are San Francisco’s future chances without Pablo?”
On the flip side of the corn, you have the Boston Red Sox, who just came off a 2013 World Series victory and a last place finish in 2014. Boston wants him as a DH primarily, and may even have him be the David Ortiz replacement when Big Papí calls it a career. Boston is trying to get out of last place for the second time since 2012 and are in the toughest division in baseball, the American Leauge East. A division featuring players like Russell Martin (Toronto), Jose Bautista (Toronto), Evan Longoria (Tampa Bay), Adam Jones (Baltimore), and C.C. Sabathia (New York), it’s a pretty tough division when you’ve got to play those teams almost regularly. Luckily, Boston isn’t too short on talent. Guys like Big Papí and Yoenis Cespedes look to be leading the Red Sox in the near future and Pablo could come in and help the driving.
Pablo is a very clutch hitter, especially in the postseason. Don’t let his .253 postseason average fool you, when he needs a hit, he usually gets it. He is a lifetime .294 hitter and he would fit really well as a DH.
Photo Credit: USATSI
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