The Staten Island FerryHawks of the independent Atlantic League have signed Pablo Sandoval to a contract, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post (X link). It is the latest step in Sandoval’s comeback attempt after he didn’t play during the 2023 season.
Sandoval spent most of his 14 Major League seasons with the Giants, becoming a Bay Area legend for his contributions to the “Even Year” mini-dynasty that saw the team win the World Series in 2010, 2012, and 2014. The third baseman hit .344/.389/.546 over 167 plate appearances during those postseasons, coming up particularly big in the latter two of those championship runs. The highlight was World Series MVP honors in 2012, as Sandoval had a whopping 1.654 OPS in 17 plate appearances, including three homers in Game 1 of the Fall Classic.
After an ill-fated free deal with the Red Sox didn’t work out, Sandoval found himself back in San Francisco for parts of the 2017-20 seasons. He then appeared in 69 games with the 2021 Braves, and hasn’t since re-appeared on the Major League radar. The Kung Fu Panda played in the Mexican League in 2022, and played winter ball in his native Venezuela and in Puerto Rico.
San Francisco inked the 37-year-old Sandoval to a minor league deal in February, and he hit .250/.323/.250 over 31 plate appearances in Spring Training. Sandoval made it clear that he didn’t view the signing as a ceremonial gesture, and he was willing to play in the minors in order to continue his career before the Giants released him as part of their Opening Day roster cuts. Sandoval will now become the latest MLB veteran to ply his trade in the Atlantic League, joining former big leaguers like Justin Williams, Jairo Labourt, and Mike Shawaryn on the Staten Island roster.
I wonder if Staten Island has an advantage in signing former major leaguers as you get to live in New York City.
Staten Island isn’t NYC. It’s where NYC used to dump their garbage, which is now known as New Jersey.
They need to put their trash in new Mexico because NYC still stinks
Three out of five was not a mini dynasty
It wasn’t a dynasty at all.
One reason those giants teams weren’t a dynasty is that they were never dominant. I don’t recall them playing against any juggernaut competition in the WS. In fact I remember reading that none of their WS opponents had over 90 wins. Those giants teams were solid, but clearly a healthy dose of luck was involved. Definitely not a dynasty.
lol cry. they were absolutely a dynasty
What does the term “dynasty” mean in the world of sports? What is meant by a “dynasty”?
In the world of sports, a “dynasty” is a team that has exhibited excellence over a considerable period of time. In order to be considered a “dynasty”, a team is usually required to win at least two titles over a short period of time.
You seem like a rainbow type of fella
The Big Red Machine won 2 world series
Agreed full fledged dynasty
Sit this one out, Jabroni.
I’m not sure the math checks out. Are you using differential equations or integrals when calculating the dynasty quotient?
The Panda can still contribute. I could see him as a Texas Ranger before the season is complete.
“Panda can still contribute”…Let’s be honest, Panda has a better chance of ending up on the “Food Network” than the World Champion Texas Rangers.
Panda in shape = dangerous mlb hitter. Fast hands
He’s made a ton of money. Most players don’t play just for the money. It’s the game. It’s the competition.
Bra Joni earns a mute. Well deserved!
The Giants WINNING 3 out of 5 WS between 2010-2014 is very special. To call it a mini-dynasty is not a stretch. Not a Giants fan at all but I am a longtime baseball fan so I’ve got to give credit when it’s due.
Thanks for being a real baseball fan that knows what he’s talking about.
Giants beat the Royals in 2014. Royals were undefeated going into the world series. Madbum had a great post season.
Giants were a great team behind Posey.
And saying mini-dynasty with a British pronunciation (din-a-sty) makes it even more fun to say.
Staten Island has a panda, the San Diego Zoo does not.
Isn’t he skinny now ? Maybe he’s one of those dudes who plays better fat, cause svelte panda suks. No matter the weight Father Time ALWAYS wins.
He’s still better than anyone on the A’s, so of course they won’t sign him
Belt should sign with the Astros. Play vs righties and Abreu play vs lefties.
Just retire, this is pathetic.
Pathetic? He’s doing what he loves.
He doesn’t need the money. He loves the game and isn’t ready to give it up yet. If there’s an opportunity to lace up his cleats and swing the bat, more power to him for being able to continue playing a game that we all wish we could.
“Mini Dynasty” is a diminishing term. Three in five years is a regular dynasty, especially in this day and age.
There have been no back-to-back winners, and no other team has so much as won two World Series within a three-year period, in the 21st century. The Red Sox are the only other team this century to win at least three, but those have been more spread out.
baffling