SAN FRANCISCO -- When Pablo Sandoval signed a five-year, $95 million contract this past offseason with the Boston Red Sox, he left the Giants with a major hole to fill.
Sandoval played an integral role in helping the Giants win three championships in the last five seasons. The Venezuelan third baseman was a staple in manager Bruce Bochy's lineup and beloved by the city of San Francisco.
After all, Sandoval was the Most Valuable Player of the 2012 World Series and a two-time All-Star. So when he departed from the organization that gave him his first opportunity in the Major Leagues, there was uncertainty as to who would take his place.