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Pablo Sandoval responds to criticism about his weight

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Newly-acquired Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval drew criticism from fans on social media Tuesday because of a picture which appeared to show Sandoval with an ample gut.

On Thursday, Sandoval addressed concerns about his weight.

"Let them talk, talk and criticize," Sandoval told Marly Rivera of ESPNDeportes.com in Spanish. "No matter what they say, it will never change me or the player that I am." 

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Sandoval added that the photo "caught me at a bad angle."

Sandoval reported to spring training a week before position players were required to. He is listed on the Red Sox roster at 5'11", 245 pounds. 

Sandoval, nicknamed "Kung Fu Panda" because of his physique, hit .279 with 16 homers and 73 RBI for the San Francisco Giants last season. He signed a five-year, $95 million contract with the Red Sox as a free agent in November. 

- Phil Watson