Panda pours it on
Sandoval continues to impress
FORT MYERS — Pablo Sandoval’s most impressive action this spring took place in the 180 feet between second base and home plate yesterday afternoon.
Sandoval showed speed he hasn’t shown since 2015, if not earlier, while jetting around the bases to score from second on a single to left field. And at JetBlue Park, like Fenway Park, left fielders tend to play shallow.
Sandoval slid into home feetfirst as the throw was cut off. Sandoval also went 2-for-3 with a pair of smoked line drives to the opposite field. His only out was a line drive he hit right-handed. A switch-hitter, he’s long been better left-handed.
For manager John Farrell, it’s too early to make judgments on Sandoval’s swing.
“Just a couple fastballs out over the plate,” Farrell said. “He’s got the ability to hit the ball to all fields, as we saw today. Equal to the two line drives to the left side, I thought it was a good solid aggressive swing from the right side of the plate. He just looks more aggressive, more free, and more than anything, he just looks and feels more confident, not just from the at-bats but his overall game.”
Sandoval has played a clean game at third base so far, but Farrell said he “hasn’t really been challenged all that much.”
Sandoval had to pocket a slow roller in the 5-4 loss to the Yankees, but it wasn’t an easy play.
“A do-or-die play and I don’t know if many third baseman are going to make that play,” Farrell said. “But still, when he’s fielded his chances, I don’t know if they’re maybe a step to his glove side or pretty much right at him. So we haven’t seen that many opportunities where what you’d consider increased range would show up yet. I would say it’s much improved over two years ago, just by the fact of the way he’s moving in other parts of his game.”
Sandoval, who played in back to back games, said his shoulder feels great, and he’s starting to get his swing going. He went to the weight room for a lengthy workout after his three at-bats.
Travis takes his swings
Sam Travis has little chance to make the Red Sox unless there’s an injury, but the young first baseman continues to impress.
Travis hit a mammoth homer against Justus Sheffield, a Yankees prospect who the club got in the trade for Andrew Miller last year. He also made a diving catch to his right and showed incredible range at first base.
“Moved well defensively,” Farrell said. “Ball to his backhand, ball to his forehand. He can hit a fastball. There’s no doubt about that. He showed it again today. He’ll get a full rep at first base (today) against Baltimore. He’s made a strong impression just as he did last spring.”
Travis is expected to begin the year at Triple A, but could put pressure on Hanley Ramirez and
Mitch Moreland with a strong season in the minors. The Sox believe his bat will be an asset, but his defense needs to develop.
“For any young player it’s going to be how they transition to a quicker-paced game at the major league level,” Farrell said. “He’s handled every chance going his way so far.”
Rutledge rests knee
Josh Rutledge, who may complement Sandoval at third base because of his right-handed bat, missed a few days due to knee soreness.
“We expect him back on the field in games probably the day after tomorrow,” Farrell said. . . .
Drew Pomeranz and Steven Wright will throw their first live batting practice sessions on Friday. Farrell said Wright is ahead of Pomeranz in terms of progress. Pomeranz will need at least two of those sessions before he’s ready for a simulated game. Wright may be ready after Friday. Farrell said that, for now, both have a chance to be ready by Opening Day. . . .
Eduardo Rodriguez will make his Grapefruit League debut tomorrow and is ahead of both.
Farrell was asked if there was more pressure to give Pomeranz a spot in the rotation because the organization had to part with top pitching prospect Anderson Espinoza in order to acquire Pomeranz from the Padres last season.
“Without having that discussion yet that’s hard to say,” Farrell said. “The one thing that’s been very clear with (Red Sox boss)
Dave ( Dombrowski), and in Dave’s conversation with the rest of our team and organization, is we’ll put the best team on the field to win. We’ll see how that continues to unfold.”