SAN FRANCISCO – The size and round center of Pablo Sandoval have ignited the Internet and brought out criticism of the body when baseball starts again.
Manager Gabe Kapler said Sunday that the San Francisco Giants hope their “Kung Fu Panda” is ready and fit to contribute on opening day later this month, though it is noticeably heavier than during spring training nearly five months in Scottsdale. Arizona
“Pablo’s role in this team is to do what he has done over the past two days, and what he has done for this city and this community in the past, and that is to bring positive energy, achieve great successes, lead baseball, and those are still the things we think it is capable of doing, “Kapler said.
“Already in this short period of time, he showed it. I have a lot of empathy for Pablo and what it must be like dealing with this type of scrutiny, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”
Sandoval underwent Tommy John surgery that ended his season on his right elbow in early September.
The 33-year-old Sandoval, who weighs 5 feet 11 inches and weighs 268 pounds, has long fluctuated in his weight, but continued to move well around the bases and contributed as a hitting hitter. He played in 108 games last season with 36 starts at third base and 15 at first. He also served as a designated hitter in four games, a role he could have again this year.
“I think what we’re always looking for: Can Pablo do the necessary things to make him a good baseball player?” Kapler said. “I think it is understandable that in today’s world we focus on weight. I do it, and sometimes on body shapes and sizes. In this particular case, what we have all noticed about Pablo is that the ball jumps out of his bat and his pitches are good to carry. “
There was concern when spring training began over how soon Sandoval might be ready to play in the infield, and Kapler is confident that the 2012 World Series MVP is on the way. Sandoval hit .268 with 14 home runs, 23 doubles and 41 RBI in 2019.
“He has shown that he is healthy,” added Kapler, “and that is the most important thing. He is not going to fight us. The expectation with Pablo Sandoval is that slugs. He leads baseball. He is a good DH candidate for us.” He has good soft hands, and all those things are present in the camp, and those are the things that we are going to focus on. “
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