GLENDALE, Ariz. – After Pablo Sandoval's first day back at Giants camp this week, he received a text message from the man who was there when it all started. However, after much back and forth over the offseason, Bruce Bochy was just about to come full circle.
At the Cactus League's annual media day, Bochy said he wasn't at all shocked that Sandoval showed up at Giants camp as a non-roster invitee. While Sandoval sent training videos to Giants baseball president Farhan Zaidi in search of a job, he did the same with Bochy.
“I knew he had the drive and passion to get back into it, which was good for him,” Bochy said. “He gets an invitation to major league camp and can show what he can do. He looks good from the videos I've seen. I haven’t seen him in person yet, but I texted him congratulations last night.”
“He worked hard. You know, Pablo – he's always loved the game and I can imagine that even when he's done he should stay in the game as a coach or whatever he wants to do because the guy plays the game his way and Wise.” You love it when players play. He has the joy and enthusiasm.”
Bochy was still in San Diego when Sandoval first showed up at Giants camp nearly two decades ago, but on Monday Sandoval returned to the Giants on a minor league deal. At 37, he's hoping for an unlikely comeback, and Zaidi was happy to bring that energy back to camp – and stop the flood of texts.
“We had to sign Pablo because the training videos he sent me were taking up all the space on my phone,” Zaidi said Monday.
Bochy is in a familiar place as he returns to spring training. He's picking up his fourth World Series title and said Monday that he's thrilled the Giants will honor the 2014 title team and the Core Four this summer.
Sandoval is the last member of that team still in Giants camp, although two other stars from that era hope to dig in the batter's box this spring. Both Brandon Crawford and Brandon Belt have shown interest in playing this season, but both are still free agents.
“I don't know where they're at as far as their desire and appetite and all that, but when you look at the remaining free agents, I'm certainly surprised, and certainly with these two,” Bochy said. “I think the world of both is great. Whatever they want, I wish them the best. They have done a lot for me and I am very grateful for that and am committed to ensuring that they get what they want.”
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