The Kung-Fu Panda represents one of the more polarizing free agents in recent years.

Pablo Sandoval is an accomplished postseason performer and, on-paper, a solid regular season performer. In a thin free-agent class, he represents one of the top offensive threats on the market. Sandoval, coming off a World Series, is looking to cash in and will go to whichever team presents him the best deal, according to a source.

While Sandoval's representatives will meet with the Blue Jays, White Sox, Giants and Red Sox at the upcoming General Manager meetings, no teams have presented the third baseman with an offer yet. Sandoval is going to demand quite a hefty contract (reports have him asking for a six-year deal), but teams will likely be hesitant to offer more than four. Sandoval does not have a preference between length of contract and average annual value according to those familiar with the third baseman's thinking.

The peripheral fit between the Red Sox and Sandoval, at least on paper, appears to be perfect. The team, struggling to find a long-term answer at third base highlighted by the inconsistencies of Will Middlebrooks, would like to find a player to slot in for the foreseeable future. Garin Cecchini will also not be ready to start at the major league level for the start of the season.

MUST READS
Jays, White Sox emerge as competition for Sandoval
Ben Buchanan
Sandoval does bring a lot to the table as a player. Throughout his seven years in the majors, Sandoval has been a solid on-base threat, with his lowest OBP coming in 2010 at .323 alongside a .346 mark for his career. His power numbers are, likewise, solid if not prolific. At only 28-years-old, Sandoval is the unusual free agent that will give any prospective team the majority of the prime of his career.

More:http://www.overthemonster.com/2014/11/11/7191645/pablo-sandoval-red-sox-free-agent