Video: Pablo Sandoval at Operation Panda

November 17, 1:08 AMSan Francisco Giants ExaminerTheo Fightmaster

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Pablo Sandoval is waving bye-bye to fast food and a few extra pounds too.
Ben Margot, AP

DESPITE PUTTING UP all-star caliber numbers, Pablo Sandoval wasn't content after his first full Major League season — and neither were the Giants. Thus, the creation of 'Operation Panda.'

So far, it's been a success. Sanoval has lost nine pounds, is on a strict nutritional regiment and is lifting weights for the first time in his life. Which may help him cope with the lack of Orange Chicken in his diet (I read somewhere that panda's love that stuff).

Giants' head trainer Dave Groeschner is monitoring the workout and is pleased with the dedication Sandoval is showing.

"Pablo’s a fun loving guy and is obviously a great baseball player but there’s not too many guys that show up here in November to get ready for next season… there’s no guys…and he’s doing (it), he’s taking it and it’s a priority for him," Groeschner said in a statement issued by the Giants. "He’s working really hard so everyone should be very encouraged. He’s there when we're not there to kind of patrol and police him and to encourage him and say 'come on we can do this together.' So you know it’s been a great idea, it was Pablo’s idea to bring him here, thus far it’s working great."

Pablo has been accompanied by his brother, Mike, since he arrived in Scottsdale at the beginning of the month. Dressed in their 'Operation Panda" t-shirts, the Sandoval's participate in drills, batting practice, weight lifting, meals, cardio and have even climbed Camelback Mountain — where they were accompanied by first baseman Ryan Garko as well as a couple other minor leaguers.

Just weeks into Camp Pand, Sandoval is noticing a difference.

"I started because I want to get (serious about my job). Get (off) pounds, lose them, ... keep my weight down and stay in there. That’s what I try to do come work here everyday try and get in shape for and get ready for next season," Sandoval said. "I lost like nine, ten pounds already but I feel different. You can (feel) when you start working hard, the next day you wake up (and) start working hard again, you feel the difference when your working."

But his determination and lifestyle changes won't come without some drawbacks. Sandoval admits his new diet will still take some getting used to.

"Because you eat the portion and eat the right food all that kind of stuff salad all the kind of stuff like that was things that was tough part (for) me," Sandoval said. (In) Latin America I eat like a lot of food: rice and beans like this is one of those things that you can start learning day by day."

Here's some video courtesy of the Giants:

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