Former Pack pitcher Sandoval nominated as top strength coach

Sandoval is 'up and comer' in Rockies' organization

By: Joe Foley, GoThunderWolves.com Insider

PUEBLO, Colo. (GoThunderWolves.com – Aug. 16, 2010) – Former Pack relief pitcher Albert Sandoval has been nominated as the Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year by the AA Texas League.

Currently, Sandoval is a strength and conditioning coach in the Colorado Rockies' system, his current assignment being with the Rockies' AA squad, the Tulsa Drillers.

Sandoval played for the Pack from 2006-2007 as a relief pitcher before landing a job with the Colorado Rockies organization. He worked his first season with the rookie ball affiliate Casper Ghosts before making the transition to AA with the.

Sandoval has worked the past three seasons with the team working with the players in the Colorado Rockies farm system.

Sandoval goes through a daily routine that helps in the development of pitchers and players which he said starts with an everyday meeting with the head athletic trainer.

"I first meet with the head athletic trainer to discuss individual workouts with injured and rehabbing players," Sandoval said. "We have to figure out which work outs to use and with which player depending on certain injuries."

Sandoval also described his daily routine which consists of individualized work outs and conditioning at least three times a week.

During game days the schedule is altered a little a bit but things like post game lifts and rehab to pitchers become important.

Sandoval credits CSU-Pueblo baseball coach Stan Sanchez, as well as Colorado Rockies strength and conditioning coordinator Gabe Bauer and strength and conditioning coach Brian Jordan, for his quick development thus far.

"I look up to Gabe Bauer and coach Brian Jordan and try to learn as much as possible from them," Sandoval said. "I'm very fortunate to be moving this fast, and I hope to continue my work with the Colorado Rockies organization."

The recipient of the Texas League Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year honor will take place later this season.