"Let them talk, talk and criticize," Sandoval, speaking in Spanish, told Marly Rivera of ESPNDeportes.com. "No matter what they say, it will never change me or the player that I am."
The photo, taken during Sandoval's first workout with the Red Sox on Tuesday -- eight days before the first official full-squad workout -- showed Sandoval, broad stomach protruding, waiting at third base for a ground ball during an infield drill.
"We live surrounded by critics, so let them talk, let them criticize me as much as they want. Ultimately that makes me a better player," Sandoval said. "What really matters is who you are when you step on the field, and I will let my bat and my glove speak for themselves. That's the only way you can shut them up.
"Critics have said that I am lazy, that I am not working hard; that picture caught me at a bad angle. But once again, let them say whatever they want to say. I will prove who I am on the field and show Boston fans how hard I am working to be a champion with this team, too."
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