World Series scene: Could Pablo Sandoval leave Giants?

SAN FRANCISCO – With every significant postseason hit, Pablo Sandoval only deepens the imprint he's left in San Francisco Giants folklore.

It also doesn't hurt his asking price once this World Series ends.

Sandoval will be eligible for free agency next week, and hitting the market at 28, off a big postseason and a Gold Glove caliber year at third base will put the Kung Fu Panda in much demand.

That means Sunday's Game 5 could have been Sandoval's final home game at AT&T Park, should the Giants opt not to ante the $90 million or so it may take to retain him.

And while Sandoval would strike gold, Jimmy Wong would be out $180.

The San Francisco native is among a group of Giants fans who occupy the four oversized panda heads behind home plate, impossible to miss on television in this playoff run.

Yet the Panda Passion seems to come not from attention-seeking but rather a legitimate affinity for Sandoval, the surprisingly nimble 245-pounder who has driven in 20 career postseason runs.

Wong certainly hopes Sunday wasn't the swan song for this Panda.

"I hope not," said Wong, who said the oversize heads – originally purchased in 2010 – retail for $180. "He's a great athlete – and his whole (persona), it gives the team nice character.

"I think we can afford him. And he's worth it."

Bianca Ruiz agrees. Another of the Panda-heads, the Brazil native and part-time San Francisco resident feels a strong connection to Sandoval.

"He has this huggable face," says Ruiz, "but he's this great athlete. We want them to keep him. The Giants are many people getting along. You move one of out of there, it could affect their emotions."

Sandoval burnished his legend in Saturday's Game 4 victory, driving in the go-ahead runs with a two-run, fifth-inning single, all after vomiting pregame. Later, he said he would have played in the game even if he were dead.

"It's a blessing from God to be in three World Series in five years. It's incredible," says Sandoval. "You go through a lot of ups and downs in your career, and the important thing is learning how to deal with them and showing the team how you've matured through them.''

Pence-tober:

The admiration for Hunter Pence only continues to grow, even from opponents he's been wearing out. Pence is batting .467 against the Royals, had crucial hits in Giants victories in Games 1 and 4 and singled and scored the first run of Game 5. Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer said Sunday he has enjoyed Pence's repartee at first base.

"I really enjoy it when Hunter Pence is over there and just talking to him pregame and stuff," says Hosmer. "He's got the right mentality. He said it yesterday before the game, it's a blast when you're competing against the best, and that's what you want to do, and that's how you want it to be, especially in the World Series."

Said Giants manager Bruce Bochy: "That's why we call him 'Full Throttle.' He's unique. He has a big heart, very passionate about the game.

"He's tireless, and he cares about the game, about winning, and really cares about his teammates."

Night moves:

Ever wonder, while sitting through a four-hour game at home, what the players think about sitting through these October epics?

Yeah, they're human, too.

"Long," Royals reliever Jason Frasor said of Game 4, which lasted exactly 4 hours. "I see why World Series games were long, when I used to watch 'em on TV."

It's not much easier participating. The Royals' starting pitchers have yet to complete six innings, which leaves middle relievers like Frasor in flux. He warmed up several times in Game 4 before finally facing two batters.

"I find it exhausting to find out when I'm going to go in," he said. "When you get out there, it's OK. It's draining and it's great, but at the same time, it wears you out."