PHOENIX – There isn’t much current dialogue between the Giants and Pablo Sandoval’s representatives about a potential contract extension that would keep the Panda in San Francisco beyond this season.
But Sandoval’s camp is open to resuming talks, and the Giants would engage if they are convinced it wouldn’t be a distraction to the 2012 World Series MVP and two-time All-Star third baseman.
Although Sandoval initially did not want any talks to extend past Opening Day, he gave clearance to his agent, Gustavo Vaszquez, to remain open should the Giants improve on the three-year, $40 million offer they made last month.
Giants GM Brian Sabean historically does not like to negotiate during the season. So this could be a scenario where both sides say the ball is in the other’s court.
Sandoval will be one of few run-producing free agents on the market after the season and the Giants’ best prospect at third base, Ryder Jones, graduated from high school last year.
Sandoval’s representatives have said they want to use Hunter Pence’s five-year, $90 million extension as a baseline for talks. The Giants made Pence wait till the end of last year before they hammered out that deal. It’s unlikely the same will happen with Sandoval; Vasquez told CSN Bay Area last month that if his client doesn’t have a contract to his liking by the All-Star break, they will move on to free agency.
