ATF Morning Commute: Jan 15, 2014 – Pablo loses weight

Sep 4, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval (48) watches his third home run of the game during the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Good news for Pablo Sandoval fans. Bad new for #FatChat fans. Sandoval has dropped 42 pounds in the offseason, at least according to the Panda himself. Rafael Rojas tweeted the news yesterday, which at least took a little bit of the attention away from Alex Rodriguez (for me, anyway).

The important thing to pick up here is that Sandoval says he’s lost 42 pounds. So if he’s like

the rest of us

me, that probably means he’s lost somewhere between 30-40 lbs. However, Rojas did say it’s noticeable that he’s slimmed down.

And the team he’s speaking of here is the Venezuelan League that Sandoval is playing in, beginning Friday.

Looks like he took my article about being unsure about him next season to heart and dropped 42 lbs this week. Or he just recognized that he needs to be healthy, regardless of how it impacts his playing ability (or he just wants to get paid). In other sporting news, Alex Rodriguez is suing everyone now. Literally.  In addition to suing MLB in an attempt to overturn the recent 162 game suspension, he’s also suing the Players Association. The same Players Association that has been sticking up for him (at least much as anyone can in this case). Here’s what they said after the ruling earlier this week.

"“The MLBPA strongly disagrees with the award issued today in the grievance of Alex Rodriguez, even despite the Arbitration Panel’s decision to reduce the duration of Mr. Rodriguez’s unprecedented 211-game suspension. We recognize that a final and binding decision has been reached, however, and we respect the collectively-bargained arbitration process which led to the decision."

Granted, they decided to take no further action, but they at least made it be known they didn’t support the decision. Here’s what they’re saying now.

"“It is unfortunate that Alex Rodriguez has chosen to sue the Players Association. His claim is completely without merit, and we will aggressively defend ourselves and our members from these baseless charges. “The Players Association has vigorously defended Mr. Rodriguez’s rights throughout the Biogenesis investigation, and indeed throughout his career. Mr. Rodriguez’s allegation that the Association has failed to fairly represent him is outrageous, and his gratuitous attacks on our former executive director, Michael Weiner, are inexcusable. When all is said and done, I am confident the Players Association will prevail.”"

This was my favorite part of that statement.

Good job, A-Rod. You just sued your only supporter in this matter. May your playing days be over sooner rather than later.