Angels’ Sandoval enjoying a Classic spring
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SAN DIEGO -- Despite a stellar 2008 in which he was made his big-league debut and was honored as the Angels’ minor league player of the year, infielder Freddy Sandoval came to spring training knowing he didn’t figure much in the team’s plans for 2009.
“Unfortunately. I’m in an organization that’s packed with players all over the place,” he said. “Which is good for the organization.”
Good for Sandoval too. Since it was unlikely he’d find himself fighting for a roster spot in Arizona, the Angels let Sandoval join the Mexican team in the World Baseball Classic. And the Tijuana native says the experience has been a good one.
“This is a great opportunity,” Sandoval said before Mexico’s first game of the second round tonight. “I’m playing. I’m having fun. Maybe in big-league camp I wouldn’t have as many at-bats as I’m getting right now. So this is a good time for me to get ready for another season.”
Sandoval played in two of Mexico’s four games in the opening round in Mexico City, batting .500 with a home run and a double in eight at-bats. That follows a winter league season in which he hit .286 in 35 games to lead Mazatlan to the Mexican League title and a spot in the Caribbean Series.
“It’s been a great year. More than anything for having the opportunity to represent my country and get to wear this jersey and just play with my heart and show off what I can do,” he said. “I belong to the Angels now but you never know what can happen.”
As for the WBC, Sandoval said it’s been better than he expected.
‘It’s a lot better than we thought,’ said the 26-year-old, who hit .335 at Triple A Salt Lake City last summer. ‘Being here, it’s just a good feeling. We got the opportunity to represent our country in Mexico City, with our fans. Now we’re here in San Diego and we’re so close to the border that hopefuly we’ll get the same encouragement.’’
-- Kevin Baxter