Red Sox 'all in' on Pablo Sandoval

[Auggie]

PHOENIX -- While there have been reports, most notably from Buster Olney of ESPN.com, that the San Francisco Giants are optimistic about re-signing Pablo Sandoval and that a deal could happen soon, an executive with another major league club said Tuesday that the Red Sox are "all in" on the free-agent third baseman and are making a big push to sign him.

Sandoval is seen as an ideal fit for the Red Sox because he meets their need for a left-handed bat (he's a switch-hitter), he plays third base (a black hole for Boston in 2014), and he could ultimately succeed David Ortiz as the team's designated hitter.

"He's more of an American League player," said the executive, an allusion to the fact that Sandoval, who has remained nimble afield despite carrying considerable weight, might ultimately slow down defensively. "And he can really hit."

Sandoval is seeking a six-year deal, which would take him through his age-34 season. Various projections have forecast him to be in line for a salary in the $90 million to $100 million range.

MORE: http://espn.go.com/boston/mlb/story/_/id/11861086/boston-red-sox-making-big-push-sign-free-agent-pablo-sandoval

If the Giants can sign him for four years, sure. But not six. That's too much a risk. And he's no power hitter -- certainly not like Ortiz. If the only option is six years @ $90/100 million, Giants would be wise to let him go.

I'll be the first to admit that losing Sandoval could seriously mess with the Giants' chemistry. Also, they have NO ONE to replace him at third base. But they also need to sign two starters and a left fielder for 2015, and re-sign Madison Bumgarner for $$$ in a few years.

[joeybee12]

1. I can't imagine the red sox will offer 6...

They're cheap. And as you said, it's too much of a risk.

[Auggie]

2. These ballplayers (sigh) ...

even four years, plus with what he's already earned, financially sets him up for life. I think he'd be happier staying in San Francisco. He broke into baseball here. The fans like him, and understand his strengths and tolerate his weaknesses.

When is that ego trumps common sense? Or are agents to blame?

[KamaAina]

3. And besides, who would saw off the head of our next World Series victim

in the Taiwanese animation?

(I'm still waiting for the one where the crowned head gets mounted on the wall next to the tiger and Texas Ranger. )

[Auggie]

4. I'm speechless ...

[hughee99]

11. 6 years is a long time to lock up a guy with a recurring weight problem.

I can't imagine the Sox would go 6, but overpaying for 4 with a player option (and a buyout) for a 5th, I could see. I could easily see them going after Headley for much less money.

In the end, Bill Veeck said it best, “It isn't the high price of stars that is expensive; it's the high price of mediocrity.”

[joeybee12]

13. Problem is, the Red Sox seem to pay a high price for stars...

That end up being mediocre once they land in Boston!

[Yavin4]

5. If this was the Yankees doing this...

this forum would be erupting with "evil this" and "evil that". The Red Sox do it, and everyone is cool with it.

hy·poc·ri·sy
həˈpäkrəsē/
noun
the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform; pretense.

[Auggie]

6. I'm cool with either team doing it, because I loathe both, and both would be pissing money away

[bluedigger]

7. So the Red Sox aren't supposed to go after free agents now?

You're just jealous.

[Yavin4]

8. Sure they can

Just be consistent with your outrage.

[bluedigger]

9. I stopped being outraged at the Evil Empire when George passed.

If they weren't a division rival, they would be almost irrelevant now. They will be contenders again, but the game, and free agency, have changed. No more dynasties in baseball, I think.

[hughee99]

12. The Sox are fielding a team full of rookies at the moment, what are they supposed to do?

As a Sox fans, I don't fault the Yankees for spending the money. The team brings in more than anyone else, what are the Steinbrenners supposed to do, pocket it? Personally, I think owners have an obligation to spend the money they bring in ON the team. Because of my dislike of the Yankees, sure, I don't like it when the spend a ton of money on GOOD players, but my issue isn't with the money, and I'll admit I LOVE when they spend a huge sum of money on declining or questionable talent.

[El Supremo]

10. Is there enough "fat food" in Boston?

I thought it was time to show this again.