Vasquez finally notified the Giants at about 2:20 p.m. PDT that Sandoval had chosen Boston. Sandoval also phoned Giants assistant general manager Bobby Evans to tell him personally.
“It was somewhat of an emotional phone call,” Evans said. “He was overwhelmed with this process but said he was ready for a new challenge and wanted to inform us of that.”
“He’s been such an important part and integral part of this organization for a long time. He was certainly the talked-about prospect in the system, a year or two prior to his callup. He made a big splash on the scene. All that he’s accomplished here, it was a terrific story that he wrote while he was here. It is hard. It rally hasn’t sunk in yet.”
Evan said he, general manager Brian Sabean, manager Bruce Bochy and team president Larry Baer all reached out to Sandoval during the negotiations. Several Giants teammates phoned him, too. Evans said when he spoke to Sandoval on Saturday, “You could tell Pablo was really laboring over this decision. I felt the sincerity of his efforts to try to make the right the decision. He was really contemplating what was best for his family, the way he put it.”
Good for Panda. I’m really stoked for him. 100 Million for 5 years of playing and he’ll be free again to go wherever with a few more years left in play.
Pablo has been my favorite player since my first SF Giants game in late-2008 when I first moved there. I’ve cheered him on for dozens of games from right behind 3rd base and his game attendance, power hitting and quick moves are really great. He’s contributed greatly to an awesome team but the Giants will find a replacement and the coaching staff will fill the hole well. They’re ready for this and Pablo will be going to the Red Sox who have such a history and a club that is full of tradition that he’ll have a great time. I’m not sure if he’s ready for those cold October games but we’ll see. I’m sure he’s getting off the plane in Boston in a couple of hours and wishing he had bought a heavier coat.
It’s been a good run. Good for him.
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