Pablo Sandoval High Contract Demands

Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco Giants’ third baseman Pablo Sandoval, set to become a free agent following the 2014 season, has made it known what he is looking for in regards to a new contract. To say the contract that he is looking for is ridiculous would be an understatement.

I heard Pablo Sandoval's asking price was well north of Pence's 5-year/$90M deal. No wonder Sabean told @hankschulman the club will hold off
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) March 23, 2014

Sandoval’s agent, Gustavo Chavez, told the #sfgiants yesterday Sandoval wants at least five years and $90 million, the Pence deal. #SFGiants
— Henry Schulman (@hankschulman) March 23, 2014

Don’t get me wrong, I do think that Sandoval is a very good player who I expect to have a very good season, but his history of injuries and inconsistent play is what worries me about such a high contract. During his 6 year career, Sandoval has averaged just 119 games per year due to various injuries. Those injuries include, broken and removal of both his right and left hamate bones, hamstring issues and foot problems. It’s not secret that Sandoval came into 2014 Spring Training in great shape, after losing a reported 30-40 lbs, but until he proves that he can stay on the field regularly I would go nowhere the amount of money/terms that he is looking for, a sentiment shared by many Giants fans.

@JCSaturday RIGHT?!?! RIGHT??? coming skinny to spring training does not warrant a contract more than Pence. IMHO.
— Deee (@deeeNYC) March 23, 2014

@deee646 @JCSaturday he needs to show consistency before demanding that kind of money. Sad thing is there are teams willing to give that.
— Aura (@auburnreality) March 23, 2014

Since Sandoval is looking for a Hunter Pence type contract, lets look at the comparison of the 2 players over the last 4 years.

Here is a look at Sandoval’s numbers since 2010:

and here are Pence’s numbers during the same period:

The one number that jumps out at me when comparing the 2 players is games played. Pence has averaged 158 games in 4 years, Sandoval has averaged 130. That’s a difference of 28 games per season.

So until Sandoval can stay on the field and produce Pence like numbers, his contract should be nowhere near what Pence makes in my opinion.

Do you think that Sandoval deserve 5/90 like he is asking for? Reply in the comments section below.