I think it's also part age, part position. I think people are presuming ARod as best in baseball because he's accomplishing all this at a young age. If he keeps up his health and performance he'll end up with a better career than Bonds. The other part is that ARod is doing this as a shortstop, while Bonds has been in left field. Even if their stats are similar, ARod is getting extra credit for playing the tougher position.

That and people just like ARod better, even with the humongous salary.