Red Sox: Pablo Sandoval is ready for his comeback story
After being named the Opening Day third baseman for the Boston Red Sox, Pablo Sandoval is ready to prove to everyone that he can still play.
Well, I never thought I would be saying this, but I’m actually impressed with Boston Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval and his dedication to baseball during the past few months.
Whenever I begin an article about Sandoval, I’m either very upset with the man due to his performance on the field, or disappointed in him for doing something stupid like going on his phone during a game.
But today, I am turning over a new leaf because it seems like he is doing to the same.
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When Sandoval showed up to Spring Training, many eyebrows were raised due to his appearance. He slimmed down and the Panda looked like a completely different player, yet he still had to prove to everyone that he can still play on the field and win his job back.
And that’s exactly what he did.
In 21 games played during Spring Training, Sandoval had 22 hits and finished with a slash of .338/.348/.677. After a stellar performance down South, Sandoval, respectfully so, earned his starting job back at the hot corner.
After the Sox walked off the field with 5-3 Opening Day win against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston.com writer Chad Finn spoke with Sandoval about how he felt being back on the field.
“It feels good, especially since we got the opening win,’’ said Sandoval. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for the last year. So it’s exciting.”“The arm feels good,’’ Sandoval said. “The shoulder too. I’m not complaining. I’m confident. It’s part of the game.”
You have to feel for Sandoval as he sounded genuinely happy when talking to the media after yesterday’s victory. Especially after he last performance in the Big Leagues was where he was 40 pounds heavier and had his belt break when swinging the bat.
Sandoval continued to talk with Fin and the media about this team as a whole and how he is excited to get this season going.
“We have a great lineup and everyone does their part,’’ said Sandoval, whose next game will be the 1,000th of his career. “It was good to be able to be a part of that today.”
During the yesterday’s win, Sandoval drove in the first run of the game on infield single. Very unpredictable with how the Red Sox were going to score their first run of the season, but hey, whatever works.
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If Pablo Sandoval can continue his comeback season and be the player he once was for the San Francisco Giants, he just makes this team ten times more dangerous than they already are.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Panda back. Will he back for good? We will soon find out.