First, the Pudgy Panda went on a diet. Now, slimmed down and ready for spring training, Pablo Sandoval hopes to get fat. As in, contract extension.
Sandoval, the San Francisco Giants' third baseman, enters the final year of his contract. His arrival in Scottsdale, Ariz., created ripples because of his new fitness. Henry Schulman, beat writer for the San Francisco Chronicle is among the impressed.
"Sandoval looks as good as I’ve ever seen him. The reports of his good new shape are not exaggerated," Schulman wrote.
Nicknamed Panda because of his girth, Sandoval let his weight creep into the upper 200s in 2013. He returned home to Venezuela over the winter and began a strict nutrition and conditioning program. He also played for Magallanes in the Venzuelan Winter League.
His conversation to weight-watching health nut, Schulman wrote, came after Buster Posey, Matt Cain, Hunter Pence and other Giants teammates told Sandoval their concerns with his weight. At 27, a dynamic player found himself in need of an attitude adjustment at age 27.
His mission accomplished, Sandoval said he was ready to show the Giants he is dedicated to success in their push for a third World Series in five years. He is open to contract talks but said he isn't pushing GM Brian Sabean.
His spring performance will carry weight.