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Padres meet with Sandoval

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The Padres have signaled their intent to overhaul baseball’s worst offense this winter, traversing the globe in search of impact acquisitions.

On Friday, that search brought first-year general manager A.J. Preller to Miami, the offseason home of free-agent third baseman Pablo Sandoval. Preller met with Sandoval and his agent, Gustavo Vasquez.

The Padres were preparing to make Sandoval a contract offer Friday, a source said. Such an offer would easily outstrip the largest deal ever awarded by the Padres - Jake Peavy’s three-year, $52 million extension in 2007. Sandoval is believed to be seeking at least five years and $90 million.

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The Padres called last week to inquire about Sandoval, making them a surprise suitor for the 28-year-old switch-hitter. The incumbent Giants and the Red Sox have been viewed as the favorites to sign Sandoval, who visited Boston earlier this week.

During an interview Thursday with a San Francisco radio station, Giants assistant general manager Bobby Evans said, “I have every indication that we’re very much in the middle of this process.”

Under GM Brian Sabean, the Giants have leaned toward retaining their own stars. Sandoval, who helped San Francisco to three World Series titles, is a beloved figure in the city. And while he is constantly attended by questions about his weight and conditioning, he is a career .344 hitter in the postseason.

Sandoval hit .279 with 16 home runs and 73 RBIs in 2014, but once again he elevated his game in the playoffs, hitting .366 with five RBIs.

The Giants do not have a clear backup plan at third if Sandoval signs elsewhere. The Red Sox are seeking a steady third baseman as well as a left-handed-hitting presence. Though they would have to surrender a draft pick to land Sandoval, the Padres sorely need a middle-of-the-order threat as well as a starting third baseman.

The Padres’ interest in signing Sandoval does not affect their pursuit of Cuban free agent Yasmany Tomas or any other player. Preller has explored dozens of other options through free agency, trades and the international market.

A source familiar with the Padres’ interest in Sandoval and Tomas said both players could make their decisions “soon,” with Sandoval’s possibly coming by Tuesday.

Preller is expected to make another stop this weekend: the Dominican Republic, to meet with Tomas’ agent, Jay Alou.

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