If you are like me and wondered where former, third baseman, Pablo Sandoval has been hiding in the Red Sox organization, I have an answer. He was in my mailbox.
The annual Jimmy Fund telethon is happening later this week. He, along with Brock Holt, “wrote” the letter to former Jimmy Fund donors, which arrived in my mailbox on Monday. The photos of Holt and Sandoval do not appear to be current, the photo is most likely from when the duo served as Co-Captains last year.
So we know he is still alive and employed by the Red Sox as a fundraising ambassador. Other than that what has he been doing? There has been little news about his recovery from shoulder surgery. There have been no spot starts, nor simulated game situations. Nothing.
Until this week. Suddenly, it is Panda-mania.
Red Sox owner, John Henry, commented this week on Sandoval. When asked about the role of designated hitter for next season, Henry said that Sandoval needs “to return to form.” Well, yes, John he does.
And because we all know great things happen in threes, Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal tweeted some pictures of Sandoval at Tropicana Field taking batting practice and ground balls at third base. From all appearance, the shoulder may be better, but the weight seems to still be an issue.
There has been radio silence for the majority of the season. Sandoval is representing the Red Sox for the Jimmy Fund, getting talked up by Sox brass, and practicing again with the major league team? Shouldn’t he be working out in the Gulf Coast League to prepare for the off season when the real work will begin? Also, maybe a call to Jenny Craig might be an idea, too. See Mr. Henry, if you want to protect your valuables, you have to invest in some insurance.
Can the Sox just have a fire sale and move this guy along? I know I am supposed to have some faith in the powers that be, but I think he would be better on another American League team. Let’s make Mookie Betts our DH next season. The brass can pick up some outfield depth elsewhere. Perhaps, Sandoval could stay at the Trop and help the ailing, failing Tampa Bay Rays.
The less movement the better, right Pablo? I hear Tropicana field has a great Cheeseburger Pizza.
