Giants Pablo Sandoval finishes 7th in MVP balloting

November 25, 1:14 AMSan Francisco Giants ExaminerTheo Fightmaster

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In his first full season, Pablo Sandoval established himself among the league's best.

Ben Margot/AP

WITH FIRST-PLACE no mystery, the lone drama in Tuesday's National League Most Valuable Player announcement wasn't who would win — Albert Pujols by a unanimous decision — but if and where the Giants' Pablo Sandoval would finish.

Sandoval captured the imagination of baseball fans across the country with his big bat, wide body and huge personality. He was the sole bicuspid in an otherwise toothless Giants' offense, and apparently the baseball writers took notice as well, as Sandoval finished seventh in the voting.

Player, team, total points
Albert Pujols, Cardinals — 448
Hanley Ramirez, Marlins — 233
Ryan Howard, Phillies — 217
Prince Fielder, Brewers — 203
Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies — 172
Andre Ethier, Dodgers — 113
Pablo Sandoval, Giants — 89
Chase Utley, Phillies — 84
Derrek Lee, Cubs — 66
Matt Kemp, Dodgers — 49

(Click here to see the entire results).

It's a more than respectable showing for a guy who began the 2008 season in Single-A, and it likely helps take some of the sting off of his All-Star snub. But it also raises the stakes for Sandoval.

For young players success is greeted by fans with adulation, but with that success comes expectations. Once a player has reached a certain level, it's not enough for him to be charismatic or fun loving — the numbers need to be there too.

It looks like Sandoval is wise beyond his years (in both Panda and in human years). He's taken it upon himself to enlist in 'Operation Panda," a sign that his early success hasn't gone to his head.

As for what's next for Sandoval, only time will tell. But if only a portion of the maturation process occurs next season as did this past year, things should be all bamboo and wooden slides for this panda.