Pablo Sandoval's Weight-Loss Efforts Reportedly Paying Off

So far one of the most closely watched weight-loss programs in the majors is going as planned. At least, that's the story from two people who have seen the Giants' Pablo Sandoval over the winter.

Sandoval, whose disappointing season was punctuated with the Giants suggesting that if he didn't lose weight and rediscover his stroke that he may be in the minors, has told former teammate Rich Aurilia that he's already lost 17 pounds, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Giants minor league instructor Jose Alguacil, who does baseball work with Sandoval in Arizona, also said the 24-year-old has made progress.

Aurilia, who lives in the Phoenix area, said he ran into Sandoval in a mall and he was impressed with how Sandoval looked and how he talked.

"When I saw him, he looked great. He really did," Aurilia said. "I think his mind-set hopefully has changed in a sense that he knows what's at stake not only for the team but his own individual health and career. That's where the maturity process has to come, when you as an individual have to decide to do whatever you can to help your team and help yourself."

Sandoval has been in Phoenix working out under the tutelage of private fitness coaches. The Giants brought Sandoval in for a two-week program dubbed "Operation Panda" last winter. The fitness and nutrition training showed results in November, but he'd gained back the weight by the time the season began and he continued to balloon during the season.

Worse, Sandoval's production went down as his weight went up. He hit .330 with 25 homers in 2009 and .268 with 13 homers in 2010. He lost his job briefly a few times, including during the postseason. After the World Series, GM Brian Sabean spoke in harsh terms about what Sandoval faced -- Triple-A Fresno -- if he didn't get it together.

The Giants front office won't officially comment on Sandoval's conditioning, and Sandoval refused to be interviewed by the Chronicle. When the Giants open spring training next month, Sandoval is certain to be one of the most pressing issues.