Third baseman must weigh familiarity in SF against new team in Boston

At some point, Pablo Sandoval will sit down and consider everything the Giants and Red Sox are putting on the table.

Both teams will offer financial security and a great baseball environment. Both teams will offer the opportunity to be part of a cornerstone franchise and to play in a great ballpark.

In other words, this is a great time to be Pablo Sandoval. He can't make a wrong decision.

To enter free agency at a time when his value probably will never be higher is something most players never experience.

Good for him. Go for it, Panda.

Again, there's no wrong answer.

There's just one thing he might want to consider, one thing that can't really be measured or touched or tasted.

He can do no wrong in San Francisco.

He'll be a Giants icon now and forever.

To be part of three championship teams in five seasons puts him in a special place in the hearts and minds of Giants fans.

OK, so he wasn't perfect.

He played his way onto the bench a couple of times, including the 2010 World Series. There was some frustration with his play in 2012 as well.

That was the season he ended up being the World Series Most Valuable Player, and then all was understandably forgiven.

He's a great prime-time player, one of those rare guys who is at his best when the lights are at their brightest.

During the regular season, he hasn't always been great.

Giants fans do not care. They love him. They wear Panda shirts and Panda hats. They cheer wildly for him.