San Francisco Giants: Ranking the most likely 2019 All-Star candidates
By Justin Fried
4. 3B/UTIL Pablo Sandoval
At the beginning of the season, this would have seemed like a preposterous statement. But Pablo Sandoval has perhaps been the Giants most consistent offensive bat.
At least consistent in a good way.
Despite starting the season primarily as a pinch hitter, Sandoval’s success — combined with the struggles of the rest of the lineup — forced manager Bruce Bochy to increase his opportunities. As a result, the two-time All-Star has seen more and more looks in the starting lineup and has been promoted to a semi-starting role.
Sandoval’s currently slashing .286/.317/.571 with seven homers and 21 RBI on the season which might seem like solid enough numbers — especially when compared to the Giants other hitters — but there still remains one major problem.
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He isn’t even on the ballot.
Sandoval is listed as a third baseman behind Evan Longoria on the depth chart and hasn’t played a single inning in left field this year — a spot the Giants would, indeed, have an opening. That’s going to make it tough for him to actually get voted in even if it would be an amazing story of redemption.
But if we’re talking players who deserve it, there are few players on the Giants roster that deserve it more than Sandoval.