Red Sox want Pablo Sandoval to visit Boston
PHOENIX - The Red Sox and Pablo Sandoval are looking into a face-to-face meeting in Boston in the near future, perhaps as early as next week, a major league source indicated Wednesday morning.
Sandoval has drawn interest from four teams in free-agency so far, but Boston and San Francisco are considered the front runners for the switch-hitting third baseman.
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It appears the Red Sox are farther along in the process with Sandoval than San Francisco. There's also a perception that Sandoval is going back to San Francisco, but if the Boston visit comes off, it's a sign he's serious about Boston.
David Ortiz has Sandoval's ear, and has tried selling Sandoval on Boston. The two spoke near the batting cage during the World Series, where Ortiz made his Boston pitch.
Fenway Park would seem to be a good ballpark for Sandoval, who could generate righthanded power to the short left field wall, while his lefthanded stroke often leads to balls the other way. A lot of doubles could result, and his home run numbers could increase.
Sandoval would solve Boston's need for a lefthanded bat, though Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said that the team could also pursue a lefty bat in free-agency or via trade at the catcher position.
The Red Sox have also met with Hanley Ramirez' agents. While Ramirez, a former Red Sox farmhand who was dealt to the Marlins along with Annibal Sanchez and two relievers for Mike Lowell and Josh Beckett almost nine years ago, is a fine hitter, his signing would continue to make Boston righthanded. Ramirez would also have to switch to third base, which would make the Red Sox less than stellar on the left side of the infield.
Lefthanded hitting third baseman Chase Headley is also a possibility, though it seems the Yankees are seeking to retain him.
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