There was also an article around August that talked about how Sandoval wasn't playing as deep as the team wanted him to play, because he knew that he wouldn't be able to get to any bunts in time if he didn't play shallow. Because he was way out of shape.
Sandoval's weight seems to go up and down a lot, and people in SF said that he often gains weight during the season. Last year, he was able to field his position early on, but then got worse and worse as the season went on, and finally had to shut it down early. Injuries were part of that, but he also seemed to get more out of shape as the season went on. In late July, he had to leave a game with "dehydration" after getting thrown out trying to score from first on a double. After that, Farrell said Sandoval’s level of conditioning is “something that Pablo has dealt with his entire career. It continues to be addressed. I can’t say tonight is a direct result of that. But there are ongoing efforts to support that, to try to get him in the best shape possible.” Manager speak for "Yeah he is way out of shape." Too out of shape to even run 3 bases on a hot night, much less field his position decently.
Sandoval's defense is the major reason to be concerned about him. He can probably be fat and still hit, but if he gets as fat as he was last year, he can't play third well at all. I expect him to show up for spring training a lot lighter than he was at the end of last year, but I sure don't trust him to stay that way. Even if he shows up in great shape in February, you are still running the risk that by August you will be stuck with a third baseman who has to play too shallow and can't cover any ground, and who might not be able to finish a game if he has to run from first to home.
If he has a good first half, I hope we trade him before the deadline, because I just don't believe that he will stay fit enough all season to play decent defense. You could be in the pennant race or postseason with an expensive veteran who can't play his position, and no way to bring in someone else to replace him. And I would expect to have the same concern (or even more concern) for each year left on his contract. I just don't see how you can rely on this guy to stay fit enough to play the field all season long.
Assuming that he isn't going to be traded this year, I really hope we can bring in a AAA third baseman who is a good fielder as some sort of insurance. Holt and Shaw can cover the position, but can't be expected to be very good defensively there. Marrero seemed solid there but he is a shortstop, not a natural 3B. A good fielding third baseman in Pawtucket could end up being some valuable depth in September if not before.
