Giants' fans want Panda for Christmas

Everyday the rumor mill stirs wildly with new potential teams vying for the San Francisco Giants' beloved third baseman Pablo Sandoval, affectionately known as Panda. For millions of fans there is no question San Francisco must keep its Panda. He is after all hugely responsible for bringing yet another world championship to the city, the third in the past five years. Aside from his bat and gold glove nominated defense, Pablo represents the Orange and Black with his humor, personality and zest for life.

What he brings to the game and his fans can't be summarized with statistics or formulas. How can anyone explain the reasons millions of fans around the country buy the black and white or orange and black panda hats? I'll offer one, because they want to show their love. It's time for the Giants' front office to pay up. Yes, Sandoval has some weight issues. And yes, he's missed numerous games with wrist and hamstring injuries. Yes, his conditioning is often questioned and he has a propensity for slumps during the season. In the past two years both his hitting and on base percentages are down. However, there is no disputing his production in the post season. When it matters most, Panda is who the Giants and their fans want at home plate because he gets the job done. His talent can't be questioned, neither can his heart. He made it clear on the microphone after the home coming parade that he wants to stay in San Francisco, it's where his heart is. He's earned the right to be compensated for what he's brought to the organization on and off the field. Panda is now 28. He told us he dreams of playing his whole career in a Giants uniform. He wants a six year deal, the Giants were offering less initially and may be closer now with a rumored 5 year, 90 million dollar deal similar to the one they offered Hunter Pence. Boston is just one of the teams courting the Venezuelan and he is taking the bait with another trip back east, but so far no offer. As for Giants fans and my gamer babes friends in the bay area, they are crossing their fingers, all they want for Christmas is Panda.