Coming over from the three-time World Series champs, Pablo Sandoval got off to a horrid start at the plate and in the field for the Boston Red Sox this season. But he didn't have to apologize until Thursday, and it wasn't for his lack of production. It was for his social media activity. Sandoval was spotted by a third party "liking" another user's photos on Instagram during the Red Sox's 5-2 loss to the Braves.
It's like checking your phone during a date, or a family dinner: Don't do it. It's not the time. Who does he think he is? Manny Ramirez? It's a good thing we didn't have social media like we do now when Manny played, or else he would have gotten into some trouble. ... Anyway.
Rather than claiming he was hacked, or that it was his brother, or someone in the Kung Fu Panda entourage who handles his social media accounts, Sandoval admitted that he was the guy doing the liking. So Panda has that going for himself, which is nice.
Sandoval is benched for the game because of being on Instagram last night during the game. He said he apologized to Farrell and Cherington.
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) June 18, 2015
Farrell added that Sandoval's behavior was "disappointing and not to be tolerated." His trouble might not be over, however, because the league has a policy against using social media during games. Sandoval might get fined by MLB as a result. Oh, and where was Sandoval while this "liking" was happening? Not the dugout:
Sandoval benched, admits that was him liking photos of woman on Instagram during game Said he was using bathroom at the time
— Gordon Edes (@GordonEdes) June 18, 2015
He was liking photos of women on Instagram ... while in the bathroom. Son...
Before the Red Sox reformed themselves and won the World Series again in 2013, the club had some notable trouble with chicken and beer. Sandoval came during the offseason from the Giants, who have won three World Series over five years, but he also brought some bad habits with him. And he was caught by Red Sox blogger Jared Carrabis:
Not to blow up the dude's spot, but uh...is Pablo Sandoval on Instagram during the game? pic.twitter.com/q8X4HoFDOT
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) June 18, 2015
Jared, you did the right thing in blowing up his spot. #journalism! In addition to his prowess in identifying well-done selfies, Sandoval came in batting .270 with a .323 on-base percentage and a .409 slugging percentage with six homers and nine errors in 59 games. Not great, but better after a recent hot streak. Sandoval will make fans forget about his bad start and social media faux pas by continuing the hot streak into July.
