San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval hit a home run Saturday on his first swing in his first batting practice at this year’s spring training.
After taking the league by storm in 2009 with a .330 average, 25 home runs and 90 RBI, Sandoval’s 2010 campaign was one of the year’s biggest disappointments across the majors. All season long, Sandoval battled with weight issues and off-the-field problems that carried over to the field.
Not only did his hitting ability disappear, his range in the field shrunk to the point that management did not even trust him. As the Giants marched to the World Series, Sandoval rode the bench, unable to make a contribution. Management made it clear that he would be sent down to Triple-A Fresno if things didn’t change over the offseason.
Now, down 38 pounds from last season to 240, Sandoval enters the season eager to show his “Kung Fu Panda” days were no fluke. Lots of pressure rides on the 24-year-old Venezuelan this season. Here are 10 Ways Pablo Sandoval Could Still Get Demoted During the 2011 season.