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Sandoval says career fell 'into an abyss' after big Red Sox deal

Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Following two full years of irrelevance, Pablo Sandoval is ready to get his career back on track with the Boston Red Sox.

After winning three World Series titles with the San Francisco Giants and becoming a fan favorite in the Bay Area, Sandoval left for greener pastures in 2014, signing a five-year, $95-million deal with the Red Sox to become the team's starting third baseman.

The 30-year-old has appeared in only 129 games since due to rapid weight gain and a shoulder injury that led to surgery. He admits complacency and feeling too self-satisfied plagued him after the big contract.

"My career had fallen into an abyss because I was so complacent with things that I had already accomplished," Sandoval told ESPN Deportes, according to Scott Lauber of ESPN. "I did not work hard in order to achieve more and to remain at the level of the player that I am and that I can be."

Sandoval's value as a baseball player - when healthy and committed - is clear. From 2009-14 with the Giants, he posted a 19.8 WAR and hit 292/.345/.464. This stretch also included a remarkable 2012 postseason, where he slashed .364/.386/.712 to earn World Series MVP honors.

Sandoval missed all but three games this past season rehabbing from shoulder surgery. After embarking on a strict diet and training program, he's reportedly down to 17 percent body fat, entering 2017 healthy and ready to play. With Travis Shaw now in Milwaukee, third base is Panda's job to lose, and he hopes to get the Red Sox faithful on his side once again.

"I certainly get (the criticism). I understand all the frustration (fans) must have felt, and I can't hold any grudges," Sandoval said.

"I have no ill will about anything. Actually the opposite. It was another lesson for me. It fueled me. It gave me the courage to work harder every day so one day I can be a part of another Boston Red Sox championship."

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