The Man Behind Pablo Sandoval

On June 19, 2008, Gustavo “Gus” Vasquez entered my life via an email he sent me, introducing himself as a certified baseball agent looking for the opportunity to work at a company where he could take his clients and know they would be in good hands.  At the time, he claimed to “have” 3 players on 40-man rosters, including 1 player in the MLB and 2 solid prospects.  I would have been crazy not to respond.  We set up a meeting at a Starbucks in Broward County, Florida and after we met, I was very excited about the potential of working with Gus.  His “main man” was Pablo Sandoval, but he also said that he “had” Elvis Andrus, Luis Maza, Yhency Brazoban, amongst many other talented players.

For a while, Gus and I kept playing phone tag.  We would follow up with one another, but never seemed to be able to form a stable relationship.  Then, all of a sudden, Pablo Sandoval gets called up to the Majors with the San Francisco Giants, and word spreads that Sandoval signed with Gaylord Sports.  And guess who was now a part of Gaylord?  Gus Vasquez.

Terry Bross and Gregg Clifton were convinced that it was worthwhile to bring Gus in, but they were not willing to give Gus the upfront money he wanted.  Gus ended up having to work another job at a bank in Florida while he was doing whatever work he was doing for Gaylord.  Yet Gus’ stipulations were clear – he wanted a base salary and benefits for his family.  Eventually, when he realized that was not a possibility, he moved on.

Gus Vasquez is now listed as the Director of Baseball at Morgan Advisory Group (MAG).  And guess who is the staple baseball client at MAG – Pablo Sandoval.  I can’t blame Ryan Morgan for bringing Gus in.  Gus seemed like a very pleasant, intelligent man when I met him in person.  He just wanted a firm that was willing to treat him the right way.

I am told that Gaylord may not have put this issue aside just yet.  Apparently, Gaylord is still considering legal action against Gus Vasquez for picking up and taking his guys with him elsewhere.  Pablo Sandoval had a signed representation agreement with Gaylord, which was sent to the union, prior to him leaving to MAG.

As you continue to hear the stories about Pablo, the Panda, Sandoval shredding pounds this offseason to get back into solid playing shape, you will now know one of the guys who is right alongside him, pushing him along the way.