The reported deal with Pablo Sandoval gives the Boston Red Sox a player who has shown he can get it done in crunch time.
After winning his third World Series title with the San Francisco Giants and breaking the record for most hits in a single postseason, Sandoval demonstrated he has earned the money his new team will give him. The 28-year-old hit .279 with 16 home runs and 73 RBIs last season, but he saved his best for the Fall Classic, when he hit .429 with three doubles and four RBIs.
Sandoval also won 2012 World Series MVP honors, and in 12 career World Series games, he’s hitting .426 with three home runs.
Check out five of Sandoval’s greatest moments from the 2014 season below:
5. Flippin’ Out
Defense might not be what Sandoval is most known for, but he can make a few plays from time to time. In the National League wild-card game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Sandoval flipped over a railing, caught a foul ball and landed on both feet.
4. Absolute Power
One of Sandoval’s most majestic home runs of 2014 actually hit a flag pole in right field at AT&T Park. Red Sox fans hope Pablo now can start playing target practice on Pesky’s Pole.
3. Record-Setter
With 26 hits in the 2014 playoffs, Sandoval broke the record for most hits in a single postseason. The record-breaking hit came in Game 7 during the eighth inning.
2. Coming Up Clutch
The Giants were trailing the World Series two games to one heading into Game 4. During a 4-4 tie, Sandoval laced a two-run single, which gave the Giants the lead and all the momentum they needed to even up the series. The Giants went on to win the game 11-4.
1. Panda Flop
Sandoval’s most memorable play of 2014 probably also was his easiest. The pop-up he caught for the last out of Game 7 sealed the third championship in five years for San Francisco. Sandoval celebrated by flopping on his rear end as teammates mobbed him near the third base line.
Thumbnail photo via Peter Aiken/USA TODAY Sports Images
