Sandoval’s All-Star Chances

Henry Schulman

Bruce Bochy said without prompting, “As far as the All-Star game, he should be looked at real hard.”
It’s easy to state a case for Sandoval. The Panda is third in the
league in hitting with a .336 average, behind the Mets’ David Wright
(.349) and the Dodgers’ Juan Pierre (.337).

Fightmaster

But, with each stellar outing by Lincecum and Cain, and it seems nearly
each is stellar, Sandoval’s chances grow smaller. It’s just not very
likely the Giants will occupy three All-Star roster spots.

Baggs

Tim Lincecum will be an All-Star. So will Matt Cain. Brian Wilson stands a stout chance, too.

But what about Pablo Sandoval?

He should be on the team too. And not just because he’s third in the NL with a .336 average.

Because he’d be a secret weapon for NL manager Charlie Manuel.
Because without a doubt, he’d improve the NL’s chances of breaking a
12-year streak of futility.

What other All-Star hitter could come off the bench to play first
base, third base or catch? What other All-Star is a switch hitter who
could match up against right-handers and left-handers? What other
All-Star hits the guy with power stuff and the finesse pitcher working
the corners? What other All-Star can cover a zone the size of the St.
Louis Arch?

He won’t be voted in by fans and it’s not likely he’d make the
player ballot. But if Manuel really wants to win the game, he’ll find a
spot for a Panda on his bench.