Pablo Sandoval’s ex-trainer: 3B needs ‘babysitter’ to prevent overeating
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Pablo Sandoval’s former personal trainer thinks the Red Sox third baseman needs a “babysitter” to help him avoid overeating, he told ESPN.
Ethan Banning, who trained Sandoval before his 2011 and 2012 seasons, said the infielder requires specific direction on what foods to eat, and that the training program used to employ a chef to cook all Sandoval’s meals.
“He’s proven to me and shown consistently that he’s got to have somebody like me holding his hand,” Banning said. “And it’s not an exercise thing, it’s an eating thing. Obviously exercise is an important factor in it, a very important factor, but eating is going to be the component that needs to be managed and monitored.”
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Sandoval’s weight has come under increased scrutiny after he arrived at spring training overweight for a second consecutive season. He ultimately lost his starting job to Travis Shaw, and was placed on the disabled list on Wednesday with a shoulder strain.
Banning said Sandoval has long struggled with his weight, and that he once gained 21 pounds in 21 days over the holidays.
“It’s like the alcoholic that won’t admit he’s an alcoholic,” Banning said. “You can’t address that you’re an alcoholic if you don't ever admit there’s a problem.”
- Erin Flynn
