While Giants fans were shocked and saddened when Pablo Sandoval made a surprise decision to join the Boston Red Sox in 2014, everything that’s happened since made his departure seem like a blessing in disguise.
Since signing a 5-year / $95 million dollar contract with Boston, Sandoval has been a disaster, hitting just .245 with 10 home runs and 47 RBI in 2015, and missing nearly all of last season due to season-ending shoulder surgery. Sandoval had reportedly lost his starting job when it was announced he wouldn’t be available last season.
Sandoval has also been a part of a number of embarrassing incidents, like snapping his belt while striking out and getting in trouble for scrolling Instagram on the john during a game.
In an interview with ESPN on Thursday, Sandoval admitted to not working hard since joining the Red Sox.
“My career had fallen into an abyss because I was so complacent with things that I had already accomplished,” Sandoval told ESPN. “I did not work hard in order to achieve more and to remain at the level of the player that I am and that I can be.”
Sandoval, who has reportedly gone through a dramatic weight loss this offseason, says he’s ready to contribute again.
“Things definitely happen for a reason,” Sandoval said. “(The surgery and rehab process) have helped revitalize that fire in me to win again…I have been following a really strict routine that has taken a lot of dedication from my part. It has not been easy to wake up every single day at 6:30 in the morning to then head to the gym and start a full day of work.”
“But you have to have that kind of dedication if you want to achieve the goals you have set for yourself … I am not taking anything for granted. I am here to work hard. I’m not thinking about the position or not. I am starting from scratch, and I am here to show what I can do on the field.”
Before heading to Boston, Sandoval was considered one of the premier third baseman in the game, making two All-Star teams and winning the World Series MVP in 2012.
“One of the keys for us is going to be Panda,” Boston manager John Farrell said Monday. “That’s not to put it all on him, but here’s a left-handed bat who is a proven guy and has every opportunity to make a major impact on our team this year.”
The Giants were rumored to be pursuing Sandoval for a return this offseason, something that was shot down by general manager Bobby Evans less than 24 hours after being reported.