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Photo: Pat Sullivan / AP Image 1 of / 39 Caption Close Image 2 of 39 Pablo Sandoval celebrates his home run with teammates in the bottom of the seventh against the Rockies game in Aug. 2008. Sandoval finished the season batting .345 in 41 games. Pablo Sandoval celebrates his home run with teammates in the bottom of the seventh against the Rockies game in Aug. 2008. Sandoval finished the season batting .345 in 41 games. Photo: Lea Suzuki / The Chronicle Image 3 of 39 Sandoval started off 2009 on an exercise kick — Here he is on a stationary bike with his brother Michael Sandoval (left), minor league strength and condition coordinator Geoff Head, and Giants strength and condition coordinator Ben Potenziano. less Sandoval started off 2009 on an exercise kick — Here he is on a stationary bike with his brother Michael Sandoval (left), minor league strength and condition coordinator Geoff Head, and Giants strength and ... more Photo: Joshua Lott / Special to The Chronicle Image 4 of 39 Sandoval made the Opening Day roster in 2009, serving as both a third baseman and a backup catcher. He hasn't caught since. Sandoval made the Opening Day roster in 2009, serving as both a third baseman and a backup catcher. He hasn't caught since. Photo: Frederic Larson / The Chronicle Image 5 of 39 Image 6 of 39 Sandoval runs down Mike Cameron of the Brewers on Opening Day at AT&T Park. He batted .330 with 90 RBI (the most of his career) for the season. Sandoval runs down Mike Cameron of the Brewers on Opening Day at AT&T Park. He batted .330 with 90 RBI (the most of his career) for the season. Photo: Lance Iversen / The Chronicle Image 7 of 39 Fiery Panda: Sandoval had to held back by home plate umpire Paul Emmel and Dodgers catcher Russell Martin after a close pitch in the 5th inning which cleared both benches. Fiery Panda: Sandoval had to held back by home plate umpire Paul Emmel and Dodgers catcher Russell Martin after a close pitch in the 5th inning which cleared both benches. Photo: Frederic Larson / The Chronicle Image 8 of 39 Giants Buster Posey and Pablo Sandoval watch as their last chance to come back in the 8th inning disappears during a home game against the San Diego Padres on Oct. 1, 2010 in San Francisco, Calif. Giants Buster Posey and Pablo Sandoval watch as their last chance to come back in the 8th inning disappears during a home game against the San Diego Padres on Oct. 1, 2010 in San Francisco, Calif. Photo: Mike Kepka / The Chronicle Image 9 of 39 Pablo Sandoval is all smiles during batting practice as the San Francisco Giants take on the San Diego Padres at AT&T Park on Saturday. Pablo Sandoval is all smiles during batting practice as the San Francisco Giants take on the San Diego Padres at AT&T Park on Saturday. Photo: Chad Ziemendorf / The Chronicle Image 10 of 39 Image 11 of 39 Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval chases down the Padres' Scott Hairston in the top of the first inning at AT&T Park on Friday. Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval chases down the Padres' Scott Hairston in the top of the first inning at AT&T Park on Friday. Photo: John Sebastian Russo / The Chronicle Image 12 of 39 Pablo Sandoval parades the championship trophy to fans following San Francisco's 2010 World Series win over the Texas Rangers. Pablo Sandoval parades the championship trophy to fans following San Francisco's 2010 World Series win over the Texas Rangers. Photo: Michael Macor / San Francisco Chronicle Image 13 of 39 Sandoval and Cody Ross keeping loose in the dugout as the San Francisco Giants played their final game of the season against the Colorado Rockies. Sandoval and Cody Ross keeping loose in the dugout as the San Francisco Giants played their final game of the season against the Colorado Rockies. Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle Image 14 of 39 Giant's Pablo Sandoval swings for his second strike during the eighth inning on Friday, July 22, 2011. during their game with the Milwaukee Brewers at AT&T Park in San Francisco, Calif. Giant's Pablo Sandoval swings for his second strike during the eighth inning on Friday, July 22, 2011. during their game with the Milwaukee Brewers at AT&T Park in San Francisco, Calif. Photo: Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle Image 15 of 39 Image 16 of 39 San Francisco Giants Pablo Sandoval reacts after hitting a double in the third inning bringing in a run against the New York Mets, Sunday July 10, 2011, at At&T Park in San Francisco, Calif. Sandoval, was selected Sunday to be on the All Star team. less San Francisco Giants Pablo Sandoval reacts after hitting a double in the third inning bringing in a run against the New York Mets, Sunday July 10, 2011, at At&T Park in San Francisco, Calif. Sandoval, was ... more Photo: Lacy Atkins / The Chronicle Image 17 of 39 National League All-Star Pablo Sandoval looks on during the Gatorade All-Star Workout Day at Chase Field in Phoenix. He was an All-Star in 2011 and 2012. National League All-Star Pablo Sandoval looks on during the Gatorade All-Star Workout Day at Chase Field in Phoenix. He was an All-Star in 2011 and 2012. Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images Image 18 of 39 Panda watches his solo home run in the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Panda watches his solo home run in the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle Image 19 of 39 Giants' third baseman Pablo Sandoval screams after scoring in the 3rd inning during game 7 of the NLCS at AT&T Park on Monday, Oct. 22, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif. Giants' third baseman Pablo Sandoval screams after scoring in the 3rd inning during game 7 of the NLCS at AT&T Park on Monday, Oct. 22, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif. Photo: Beck Diefenbach / The Chronicle Image 20 of 39 Image 21 of 39 Giants Pablo Sandoval doubles in the first inning, as the San Francisco Giants take on the Cincinnati Reds in game four of the National League Division Series in Cincinnati, Ohio on Wednesday Oct. 10, 2012. Giants Pablo Sandoval doubles in the first inning, as the San Francisco Giants take on the Cincinnati Reds in game four of the National League Division Series in Cincinnati, Ohio on Wednesday Oct. 10, 2012. Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle Image 22 of 39 Fellow Venezuelan Miguel Cabrera shares a laugh during the eighth inning of Game 2 of the World Series. Fellow Venezuelan Miguel Cabrera shares a laugh during the eighth inning of Game 2 of the World Series. Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle Image 23 of 39 Giants' Pablo Sandoval samples the champagne as the team celebrates in the clubhouse, the San Francisco Giants beat the Cincinnati Reds 6-4 in game five to win the National League Division Series in Cincinnati, Ohio on Thursday Oct. 11, 2012. less Giants' Pablo Sandoval samples the champagne as the team celebrates in the clubhouse, the San Francisco Giants beat the Cincinnati Reds 6-4 in game five to win the National League Division Series in ... more Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle Image 24 of 39 Sandoval was named MVP of the 2012 World Series. He hit three consecutive home runs in his first three at-bats against the Tigers in Game 1 of the World Series. Sandoval was named MVP of the 2012 World Series. He hit three consecutive home runs in his first three at-bats against the Tigers in Game 1 of the World Series. Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle Image 25 of 39 Image 26 of 39 World Series champion Pablo Sandoval honored at half time during the 49ers game against the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park on November 11, 2012. World Series champion Pablo Sandoval honored at half time during the 49ers game against the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park on November 11, 2012. Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle Image 27 of 39 Pablo Sandoval checks out his newest ring during the World Series ring presentation ceremony on April 7, 2013 at AT&T Park. Pablo Sandoval checks out his newest ring during the World Series ring presentation ceremony on April 7, 2013 at AT&T Park. Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle Image 28 of 39 Sandoval takes a break during pre-game workouts as the San Francisco Giants prepare to take on the San Diego Padres at Scottsdale Stadium in spring training. Sandoval takes a break during pre-game workouts as the San Francisco Giants prepare to take on the San Diego Padres at Scottsdale Stadium in spring training. Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle Image 29 of 39 Pablo Sandoval sticks his tongue out after striking out in the sixth inning. The San Francisco Giants played the Arizona Diamondbacks at AT&T Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, April 22, 2013, winning 5-4 on a walk-off hit by Brandon Belt. less Pablo Sandoval sticks his tongue out after striking out in the sixth inning. The San Francisco Giants played the Arizona Diamondbacks at AT&T Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, April 22, 2013, winning ... more Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle Image 30 of 39 Image 31 of 39 Sandoval waves to the crowd after Game 5 of the NLCS at AT&T Park on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014 in San Francisco, Calif. Sandoval waves to the crowd after Game 5 of the NLCS at AT&T Park on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014 in San Francisco, Calif. Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle Image 32 of 39 Sandoval celebrates Michael Morse's RBI single in 4th inning of 7-1 win over Kansas City Royals in Game 1 of the World Series. Sandoval celebrates Michael Morse's RBI single in 4th inning of 7-1 win over Kansas City Royals in Game 1 of the World Series. Photo: Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle Image 33 of 39 Panda blows a kiss towards the crowd at the end of the top of the eighth inning during Game 7 of the World Series. Panda blows a kiss towards the crowd at the end of the top of the eighth inning during Game 7 of the World Series. Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle Image 34 of 39 Sandoval falls backwards after catching the final out of the World Series. Sandoval falls backwards after catching the final out of the World Series. Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle Image 35 of 39 Image 36 of 39 Sandoval speaks during the championship parade ceremony on Halloween in the Civic Center. Sandoval speaks during the championship parade ceremony on Halloween in the Civic Center. Photo: Beck Diefenbach / Special to The Chronicle Image 37 of 39 Panda laughs during the World Series Parade on Market Street on Halloween. Sandoval agreed to sign with the Boston Red Sox on Nov. 24. Panda laughs during the World Series Parade on Market Street on Halloween. Sandoval agreed to sign with the Boston Red Sox on Nov. 24. Photo: Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle Image 38 of 39 Newly acquired Boston Red Sox free agent third baseman Pablo Sandoval smilies as he is introduced to the media at Fenway Park Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014, in Boston. Newly acquired Boston Red Sox free agent third baseman Pablo Sandoval smilies as he is introduced to the media at Fenway Park Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014, in Boston. Photo: Stephan Savoia / Associated Press Image 39 of 39 UPDATE: Pablo Sandoval has a deal with Red Sox 1 / 39 Back to Gallery

UPDATE, 12:30 p.m.: The Chronicle has confirmed that Pablo Sandoval has agreed to terms on a free-agent contract with the Boston Red Sox, and it should be completed very soon.

The Giants still have not gotten formal word from Sandoval or his agents. It could be that the Red Sox asked them not to confirm it until Sandoval passed his physical and signed the documents.

The value of the deal was not immediately available. Jon Heyman of CBS.com wrote earlier that it was in the neighborhood of five years, $100 million. As I reported below, the Giants offered five years, $95 million but expressed a willingness to raise it to $100 million.

UPDATE, 9:15 a.m.: The Giants might be on the verge of losing their Kung Fu Panda.

Several reports this morning say Pablo Sandoval has agreed to a five-year contract worth about $100 million with the Boston Red Sox.

However, Sandoval”s representatives have told the Giants those reports are not true and the third baseman has not decided whether to go to Boston or accept a similar offer from the Giants.

Sandoval’s principal agent, Gustavo Vasquez, said the same thing to The Chronicle’s John Shea in a text. When Shea asked Vasquez if Sandoval had a deal in principle with Boston, Vasquez replied, “No.”

Sandoval is expected to announce decision sometime today.

Sources said the Giants formally offered Sandoval a $95 million contract over five seasons but indicated to the third baseman their willingness to go to $100 million.

If Sandoval rejects a similar offer and bolts for Boston, it would lend credence to the belief that he was set on leaving San Francisco all along, perhaps angered over an initial three-year, $40 million offer during spring training. At the time, agent Gustavo Vasquez, called that offer “crazy.”

However, Giants assistant general manager Bobby Evans said Vasquez told him that Sandoval likes Boston for his ability to be a designated hitter toward the end of the contract, with David Ortiz presumably retired.

The Giants’ $40 million offer was merely an intial foray. A source said the Giants ultimately offered Sandoval a contract during spring training that included a vesting option for a sixth season and totaled as much as $86 million.

A different source said Sandoval sought a deal “well north of that.” Both sides decided they were too far apart and it was best to shelve talks and see what happened in Sandoval’s contract year.

After an awful start, Sandoval rebouned to finish with a .279 average and a .739 OPS. His OPS declined for the third consecutive season, but the number was skewed by a bad April. From May 11 on, Sandoval hit .308 with a .799 OPS, which, for a full season, would have been his highest since 2011.

Sandoval’s offensive and defensive performance for most of the 2014 season, and a postseason in which he set a major-league record with 26 hits, assured him the payday he sought.

Sandoval’s departure would be heartbreaking for his legions of fans in San Francisco who came to love their Kung Fu Panda. It also leaves a large hole in the middle of the Giants’ lineup. He was their cleanup hitter in 2014.

If Sandoval goes, the Giants are prepared to spend that money elsewhere. They do not necessarily feel the need to pursue a third baseman, such as former San Diego Padre Chase Headley, but could compensate for Sandoval’s loss in different ways.

The Giants could add a middle-order outfield bat and have said publicly they are heavily involved in power-hitting Cuban outfielder Yasmany Tomas (as are many other teams).

They also could go a different route and use the Sandoval money to bolster the rotation. They have shied away from big pitching contracts since Barry Zito, but Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported the Giants have some level of interst in Jon Lester, one of the top starters on the market.

Players come and go, but Sandoval and the fans in San Francisco have enjoyed a special bond.

Signed as a 16-year-old in 2003, Sandoval was the the first position player in over a decade to rise through the organization and become an impact player on a club whose farm system was neglected during the Barry Bonds or Bust years.

Sandoval debuted with the Giants as s catcher in August, 2008, two months after they drafted Buster Posey, but nearly two years before Posey reached the big club.

Sandoval’s enthusiasm and ability to hit a pitch thrown anywhere, a long way, endeared him to San Francisco fans who thirsted for youth and excitement in what would be the last of four consecutive losing seasons.

When Zito conferred the nickname “Kung Fu Panda” on Sandoval, a persona (and marketing boon for the Giants) was born.

Sandoval had his ups and downs with the Giants, in his performance and weight. He got so heavy in 2010 that manager Bruce Bochy benched him in the World Series. But Sandoval’s performances in 2012 and 2014 sealed his postseason legacy.

He hit three homers in Game 1 of the 2012 World Series against the Tigers, two off Justin Verlander, and might have been the MVP of the 2014 National League Championship Series and World Series if not for Madison Bumgarner.

ORIGINAL POST: At the moment, the Giants know what you and I know, that a lot of media reports this morning suggest that Pablo Sandoval has agreed to sign with the Boston Red Sox.

But the Giants also say they have gotten no formal word from Sandoval’s agents that a deal with the Red Sox is done. One of those agents, Gustavo Vasquez, told The Chronicle’s John Shea the same thing within the hour. Asked if Sandoval had agreed to deal with Boston, even in principal, Vasquez replied, “No.”

We’ve heard that the Red Sox have offered the Panda deal roughly worth $100 million over five years. I’ve also just learned that the Giants’ offer was five years, $95 million — $5 million more than they gave Hunter Pence — and had conveyed a willingness to bump it to $100 million.



If Sandoval indeed leaves San Francisco for Boston for an identical or slightly higher offer, you have to wonder if the 28-year-old third baseman really did have a desire to part ways with the Giants even before the bidding began, perhaps hurt or angered by the three-year, $40 million offer they made before the season began.

(Since I posted this blog, I’ve been told that was merely the Giants’ first offer in spring training. A source said they ultimately offered Sandoval a deal “pretty close to” the Pence contract, but that Sandoval was seeking a figure “well north” of that.)

If so, his comments after the World Series that he wanted to be a Giant for life were hollow. But right now, we don’t know his thinking.

In any event, the Giants plan to spend that money one way or the other. They say they are heavily involved in negotiations for power-hitting Cuban outfielder Yasmany Tomas. They probably will pursue former Padres third baseman Chase Headley, whom, I am guessing, has not cut a new deal with the Yankees while waiting for Sandoval to set the market the position.

Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reports the Giants have some interest in one of the top starters on the market, Jon Lester, who would consume the Sandoval dollars and then some.

********

Players come and go, but Sandoval and the fans in San Francisco have enjoyed a special bond.

Signed as a 16-year-old in 2003, Sandoval was the the first position player in over a decade to rise through the organization and become an impact player on a club whose farm system was neglected during the Barry Bonds or Bust years.

Sandoval debuted with the Giants as a catcher in August, 2008, two months after they drafted Buster Posey, but nearly two years before Posey reached the big club.

Sandoval’s enthusiasm and ability to hit a pitch thrown anywhere, a long way, endeared him to San Francisco fans who thirsted for youth and excitement in what would be the last of four consecutive losing seasons.

When Barry Zito conferred the nickname “Kung Fu Panda” on Sandoval, a persona (and marketing boon for the Giants) was born.

Sandoval had his ups and downs with the Giants, in his performance and weight. He got so heavy in 2010 that manager Bruce Bochy benched him in the World Series. But Sandoval’s performances in 2012 and 2014 sealed his postseason legacy.

He hit three homers in Game 1 of the 2012 World Series against the Tigers, two off Justin Verlander, and might have been the MVP of the 2014 National League Championship Series and World Series if not for Madison Bumgarner.