As a Giants fan who spent many long years defending Bonds, I have a somewhat different perspective on the steroids part of the story (before they couldn't any more, MLB not only looked the other way, they subtly and not-so-subtly encouraged players to use, and it's not so much about who dunnit as it is who's been caught), but I definitely hear you on how he's overshadowed the young locally-developed guys who deserve their day in the sun. Unfortunately, the sports media tends to focus on the Sox, the Yankees, and whoever happens to be playing them, which is how Sandoval managed to fly under the national radar for so long. (Don't feel like you've missed anything if you hadn't heard of Jonathan Sanchez before yesterday, though -- he was having a terrible season, had been demoted to the bullpen, and only got that start because Randy Johnson is hurt. I suspect we will see him back in the rotation now!)

I feel like I'm watching history in the making with Tim Lincecum. He's spectacular. I wouldn't be surprised if he takes home the Cy Young again. Back when everyone thought the Giants would have another rebuilding season, the best we were hoping for was a highly watchable game every five days (and *maybe* the team would break .500). In a way, it's funny that you call Kershaw green in comparison -- Lincecum is only in his third season, but watching how cool and collected he is out there, it's easy to forget. How long has Kershaw been up?

Sandoval, on the other hand, came out of nowhere. He'd been somewhat of interest in the minors, but no one expected a breakout like this. And he just looks like he's having so much *fun*. I love that in a ballplayer. :)