Spanish
“First of all, thank you for the opportunity. Happy and grateful, both me and my family. The Giants were the ones who opened the door for me in 2022 when I was a bullpen coach, my first year as a coach. Now the work is coming, but I am very happy that I got that opportunity,” he said.
A long and emotional process
Milwaukee's new assistant coach explained that the news came to him after an interview process that lasted for weeks.You may be interested in: Johan Rojas responds to boos and avoids controversy
Sandoval recalled that he has been working with the Brewers organization for four years."Arriving here at El Jaya one day, they called me to give me the news. It's been a long road, emotional and all. I called my wife, my daughter, my mom, my dad... it was a moment that was etched in my memory," he recounted.
Today's Baseball and New Methods Asked about the new pitching dynamics, Sandoval pointed out that the game hasn't changed that much, but the tools to measure it have."I was promoted to assistant minor league coordinator for two years. This year I had several visits to the Major Leagues and perhaps they saw my potential. A spot opened up and thank God they invited me and I ended up being me."
“Before, one was a rubber arm. But those were different times. Now we work with young guys from 19 to 23 years old who, thanks to talent and modern tools, can be ready for the Major Leagues. I agree with protecting them and seeking that balance,” he maintained.
The Growth of Dominican Coaches
Sandoval highlighted the increase of Dominican technicians in Major League organizations, mentioning recent cases like Gilbert Gómez.xz "I think it's an achievement for all of us as a country. It requires handling a lot of information and many details, and it speaks well of the Dominican who is training and contributing. Hopefully, many players who are leaving understand that baseball needs them," he said.What MLB teams look for in a coach
Regarding the requirements evaluated by MLB organizations, Sandoval explained: "It will depend on the philosophy of each organization. They are looking for someone with the ability to grow, who learns metrics and the new things. Having played can be a reference, but not a limitation. There are coaches who didn't play professionally and are in the Major Leagues."Lidom as a platform
The coach acknowledged that his role with the Gigantes del Cibao is an essential part of his professional growth. "Lidom is demanding. There are many details, many meetings and many decisions that are not seen. I learned a lot here. 100% this has prepared me; I think the organization took it into account," he assured. "Baseball is difficult, but it's a blessing." Sandoval, who played 20 years without reaching MLB as a player, sees this stage as a second chance within the game.“Baseball is difficult everywhere, but it's exciting. I played for 20 years and didn't make it, but now I experience this in another way. I enjoy being able to give a little detail, a word, a pat on the back to a player and then have him transfer it between the lines. The role changes, but the passion remains,” he concluded.
