Pablo Sandoval Appreciation Thread

[SFGRTB]

Pablo "Panda" Sandoval had a fantastic run as a Giant, since coming up in late 2008 and making an instant impact, though more so in big moments rather than overall production. His energy and youth was one of the major factors in a successful transition from the Bonds era into the Championship era. Though not playing in the 2010 World Series run, the Panda made a huge impact in the two following. With 3 homers in game 1 of the 2012 World Series, he set the tone for a dominating sweep over the Tigers, and in 2014, he set a postseason record for hits. His impact goes past the field, by all accounts, he was a clubhouse favorite and helped this team have as much fun while playing the game as we've ever seen them. He was also a leader, and helped smoothed the transition for both rookie and new player acquisitions alike.

Some of his highlights include the game where Zito gave him the nickname "Kung-Fu Panda", after hurdling a Dodgers catcher to score a run. His 2 walkoff homers, both against the Nats. His 2009 All-Star push. His Coors field cycle. His 2010 postseason benching and the 2012 redemption. Multiple 3-homer games. "Little Money". Camp Panda. The final out.

His final tallies:

26th all-time in homers with 106

37th in RBI with 462

28th in doubles with 192

40th in hits with 946

T-29th in OPS at .811

39th in WAR at 21.1

He had the 3rd most doubles in Giants history in 2009 with 44

1st in hits in postseason all time, for one postseason and career with 26 and 53 respectively.

T-1st in World Series Rings

He won a World Series MVP, made 2 All-Star appearances, finished as high as 7th in MVP voting.

His career line: .294/.346/.465 in 869 regular season games, .344/.389/.545 in 39 post season games including .426/.460/.702 in the World Series.

He will always be one of my favorite Giants. This is the biggest loss the Giants have suffered in the Championship era. Good luck in Boston, Red Panda.

 

[SFGRTB]

Also, finished 2nd all-time for a season with 26 GIDPs. Wonder how many were FPGIDP....

Bust since this is an appreciation thread, I also stumbled on this:

The best videos from Pablo Sandoval's career as a Giant - McCovey Chronicles

 

[Stokes1931]

Five notes on the ridiculous Pablo Sandoval - McCovey Chronicles

 

[calsnowskier]

Having that play as your last play for an organization is not the worst way to leave things.

 

[Stokes1931]

Having that play as your last play for an organization is not the worst way to leave things.

Sure beats a play like this:

 

[calsnowskier]

Sure beats a play like this:

???

None of those three players left their org after that play.

Not sure I get your meaning...

 

[Stokes1931]

???

None of those three players left their org after that play.

Not sure I get your meaning...

Literalist.

Last play of the season for Howard, just as an example of a "last play". Not for a career, or with one particular team.

 

[GiantsPackersChamps2011]

Watching those highlights.....then listening to "I will remember you" while scrolling through Sandoval pictures.


Definitely will miss Sandoval and the memories. Wish him the best

 

[Robotech]

He wasn't a starter, but he did play during the 2010 postseason run, including the World Series.

 

[Robotech]

His best moment in the 2010 postseason was a double he hit in Game 4 against the Phillies, IIRC.

 

[MarcoPolo]

Me. He's gone, so I'm not going to bother thinking about him any more. At least he didn't go to the Dodgers!

 

[msgkings322]

Watching those highlights.....then listening to "I will remember you" while scrolling through Sandoval pictures.


Definitely will miss Sandoval and the memories. Wish him the best

One of my favorite Giants. So was Wilson. This is baseball in the modern era.

We're big boys, we can handle it. It's fun to see Red Sox nation for the most part being very against this deal...then again the crowd usually gets it wrong.

 

[GiantsPackersChamps2011]

One of my favorite Giants. So was Wilson. This is baseball in the modern era.

We're big boys, we can handle it. It's fun to see Red Sox nation for the most part being very against this deal...then again the crowd usually gets it wrong.

No doubt. Love all the memories but this was a smart, business decision by SF

 

[MarcoPolo]

No doubt. Love all the memories but this was a smart, business decision by SF

How so? It was the Panda who made the decision. Reports are that the Giants were perfectly willing to match the RedSux offer. Sandoval's call the whole way.

 

[msgkings322]

How so? It was the Panda who made the decision. Reports are that the Giants were perfectly willing to match the RedSux offer. Sandoval's call the whole way.

We can't really know the details but this seems reasonable. Although the Giants could've been stupid and made a ridiculous offer to beat Boston, so it was smart to not go that route.

Again, for some fun check out the Red Sox threads, most of those fans are not happy at all with the signing. Those fans post more on the general MLB board than their own.