Free agent third baseman Pablo Sandoval is in Boston this week as a reported $90 million deal from the Giants sits on the table.
The Giants are into Day 15 of Panda Watch, with free agent third baseman Pablo Sandoval visiting Boston and “excited” to be there.
Sandoval is looking for a deal in the five-year, $80 to $90 million range, according to an ESPN report. Bay Area Sports Guy reported Tuesday the Giants already have a deal on the table in that range.
The Giants offered him a three-year, $40 million deal last spring, but it was rejected by his camp.
Weight has always been a concern, but Boston wants to monetize Pablo’s pounds.
No team can take away money for weight issues, per MLB’s collective bargaining agreement, but the Red Sox can give Sandoval fiscal incentives to keep his weight under control.
A Boston deal will likely include bonuses for Sandoval to manage his weight, according to Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo.
Pablo’s brother, Michael Sandoval, told WHDH Boston that they’re just looking for a place that will value his body of work:
“The good part of this is we get a chance to explore his value on the market and see who can really appreciate him and his work.”
There’s no doubt the Bay Area appreciates Sandoval. He’s won three World Series’ with the Giants and was the MVP in the 2012 championship.
At 28, Sandoval is understandably testing the market.
Hunter Pence signed a similar five-year, $90 million contract with the Giants in 2013.
Sandoval has been in Boston since Monday and said he “love being here, and the situation.” He’s the Giants No. 1 priority this offseason.
The Red Sox and Giants have been the top two contenders in the Sandoval sweepstakes.
Fenway Park would be a much better situation for Sandoval offensively than AT&T Park. The stadium has the shortest distance from home plate to the outfield of any park in baseball.
The Red Sox are also in the American League, which would allow Sandoval to DH on occasion. With David Ortiz turning 39 today, Boston could make a seamless transition from Ortiz to Sandoval as perennial designated hitter.
The San Diego Padres another team that has reportedly pursued Sandoval.
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Last modified November 19, 2014 11:04 pm
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