http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/29013.html
Adieu, Barry? No one is saying it for sure
By Nick Peters - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:46 am PDT Monday, September 25, 2006
MILWAUKEE -- Barry Bonds might have played his final road game in a Giants uniform over the weekend.
Beginning tonight, he might be playing the final week before those who have been his home fans for 14 seasons.
Is he fazed by those possibilities? Is he becoming emotional as he faces the prospect of a future as a designated hitter and perhaps becoming the majors' all-time home run leader away from his beloved ballclub?
"I don't need to go there -- ask them if this is going to be my last week here," he said of the management group that brought him to the Giants before the 1993 season and watched him evolve into a megastar amid a swirl of controversy.
"It's a legitimate question, but I don't have to answer it. I'm just going home and see what happens. I've been there before, with Pittsburgh. I was with that organization almost 10 years (1986 to '92).
"I also was a free agent when I hit 73 home runs (2001). They offered me arbitration. I went through the whole process, so it's nothing new. And, don't worry, I'm not answering that question for anybody this week."
Bonds, 42, signed a five-year, $90 million contract after his record-smashing 2001 success. It expires after the Giants host the Dodgers in the home finale Sunday, and his recent power surge suggests an effort will be made to bring him back.
When Bonds was off to a slow start in his comeback from three surgeries in his right knee, owner Peter Magowan said in May he was willing to allow the seven-time MVP to test free agency and that he could envision him playing elsewhere.
Magowan conceded it would be difficult to watch Bonds surpass Hank Aaron's record 755 home runs in a different uniform. On the last homestand, the owner said Bonds "controls the process" and said no timetable has been set.
"It's a very complicated question," Magowan said. "Would any decision on him have to be made relatively quickly? I hope it is, but I'm not sure. A decision won't be made until after the season, and I don't know how it's going to come out."
Bonds' reaction: "Ask them. Ask them if they want to get it done quickly. I'm going home. My wife met me in Colorado and took all my stuff home (to L.A.)."
What is certain is Bonds' value has accelerated with his recent return to form. Last month, his batting average dipped to .235, and his vaunted plate discipline seemed to disappear as he chased bad pitches.
Bonds made no excuses. He has bone chips in his left elbow that will require surgery if he keeps playing, but his knees are better, and he was much more at ease after hitting his 715th home run May 28, passing Babe Ruth and reducing the media glare.
"It will be much better in the second half," he predicted then. And when his average hit rock bottom, he flashed the old swagger, boasting: "I can still hit a ball as far or farther than anybody. I've just got to do it more consistently."
As if on cue, he deposited a home run into McCovey Cove, triggering a slugging spree that climaxed with two doubles, a home run and six RBIs at Miller Park on Friday night. The next night, No. 734 passed Aaron for the National League record.
The weekend eruption boosted Bonds' average to .275, a leap from .235 in 27 games. The surge includes nine home runs among 34 hits in 85 at-bats (.400). He leads the league in batting with runners in scoring position (.434) and in on-base percentage (.461).
"I expected it," Bonds said of his resurgence. "I have a lot of confidence in my ability. It takes awhile with the knees."
Asked if he feels like his old self again, Bonds replied: "I'm not walking as much. I'm just making better contact. Think about it: I was swinging the bat and wasn't making contact. I wasn't frustrated.
"It's hard to be frustrated when I've had the opportunity to play the game as long as I have. I knew what I could do. Looking bad at the plate is going to happen no matter who you are. In 162 live performances, you're going to have a lot of bad ones."
Although his walks (114) and intentional walks (38) are down, Bonds still leads the league in each category. But their decreasing frequency suggests less of a willingness to avoid him, suggesting dwindling respect.
When he was struggling, he was asked how many home runs he would require this season to have a realistic shot at Aaron's record. Bonds, with 721 at the time, quickly snapped he needed none because he was "capable of hitting 35 next year."
Now, he's 22 from passing Aaron and, barring injury, appears extremely capable of doing so. Just don't ask him about it because he steadfastly maintains "The Record" won't factor into his decision-making.
"I don't want to talk about it," he said of the pursuit. "I don't think about that stuff. I just want to be happy. As I get older, things change. I'm going to go home and relax. I'm not even going to the Bahamas this winter."
His manager, however, has no doubts what Bonds will be doing next year.
"Barry is going to play next year," Alou said Sunday. "We talked for 30 minutes and he didn't say he wasn't. I don't see him not playing with the type of season he's having."
Bonds, appearing far more mellow since the media glare has subsided, indeed is enjoying himself more these days. Perhaps realizing his playing days are limited, he seems more communicative with teammates.
"I'm having a great time," he said. "I love these guys. You're dealing with a group of men, real mature men. There's no jealousy. I'm the same person I've always been. There were times I thought it was me, but it wasn't.
"The guys asked me to do that (Paula Abdul of "American Idol") thing in spring training, and I was happy to do it. I'd never been asked to do stuff before. These guys are together. It's a great clubhouse. Chemistry does matter. People are respecting people for who they are."
Apparently, good chemistry doesn't translate into winning because the 2006 Giants will go down as mammoth underachievers. So why did it take Bonds so long to find clubhouse contentment?
"I don't know," he said. "Maybe because I'm playing with a lot of older veteran players like me. It's been a lot more enjoyable, a lot better for me. This is the way I've always wanted it. It's been really, really nice.
"We're a team."
About the writer: The Bee's Nick Peters can be reached at npeters@sacbee.com
Adieu, Barry? No one is saying it for sure
By Nick Peters - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:46 am PDT Monday, September 25, 2006
MILWAUKEE -- Barry Bonds might have played his final road game in a Giants uniform over the weekend.
Beginning tonight, he might be playing the final week before those who have been his home fans for 14 seasons.
Is he fazed by those possibilities? Is he becoming emotional as he faces the prospect of a future as a designated hitter and perhaps becoming the majors' all-time home run leader away from his beloved ballclub?
"I don't need to go there -- ask them if this is going to be my last week here," he said of the management group that brought him to the Giants before the 1993 season and watched him evolve into a megastar amid a swirl of controversy.
"It's a legitimate question, but I don't have to answer it. I'm just going home and see what happens. I've been there before, with Pittsburgh. I was with that organization almost 10 years (1986 to '92).
"I also was a free agent when I hit 73 home runs (2001). They offered me arbitration. I went through the whole process, so it's nothing new. And, don't worry, I'm not answering that question for anybody this week."
Bonds, 42, signed a five-year, $90 million contract after his record-smashing 2001 success. It expires after the Giants host the Dodgers in the home finale Sunday, and his recent power surge suggests an effort will be made to bring him back.
When Bonds was off to a slow start in his comeback from three surgeries in his right knee, owner Peter Magowan said in May he was willing to allow the seven-time MVP to test free agency and that he could envision him playing elsewhere.
Magowan conceded it would be difficult to watch Bonds surpass Hank Aaron's record 755 home runs in a different uniform. On the last homestand, the owner said Bonds "controls the process" and said no timetable has been set.
"It's a very complicated question," Magowan said. "Would any decision on him have to be made relatively quickly? I hope it is, but I'm not sure. A decision won't be made until after the season, and I don't know how it's going to come out."
Bonds' reaction: "Ask them. Ask them if they want to get it done quickly. I'm going home. My wife met me in Colorado and took all my stuff home (to L.A.)."
What is certain is Bonds' value has accelerated with his recent return to form. Last month, his batting average dipped to .235, and his vaunted plate discipline seemed to disappear as he chased bad pitches.
Bonds made no excuses. He has bone chips in his left elbow that will require surgery if he keeps playing, but his knees are better, and he was much more at ease after hitting his 715th home run May 28, passing Babe Ruth and reducing the media glare.
"It will be much better in the second half," he predicted then. And when his average hit rock bottom, he flashed the old swagger, boasting: "I can still hit a ball as far or farther than anybody. I've just got to do it more consistently."
As if on cue, he deposited a home run into McCovey Cove, triggering a slugging spree that climaxed with two doubles, a home run and six RBIs at Miller Park on Friday night. The next night, No. 734 passed Aaron for the National League record.
The weekend eruption boosted Bonds' average to .275, a leap from .235 in 27 games. The surge includes nine home runs among 34 hits in 85 at-bats (.400). He leads the league in batting with runners in scoring position (.434) and in on-base percentage (.461).
"I expected it," Bonds said of his resurgence. "I have a lot of confidence in my ability. It takes awhile with the knees."
Asked if he feels like his old self again, Bonds replied: "I'm not walking as much. I'm just making better contact. Think about it: I was swinging the bat and wasn't making contact. I wasn't frustrated.
"It's hard to be frustrated when I've had the opportunity to play the game as long as I have. I knew what I could do. Looking bad at the plate is going to happen no matter who you are. In 162 live performances, you're going to have a lot of bad ones."
Although his walks (114) and intentional walks (38) are down, Bonds still leads the league in each category. But their decreasing frequency suggests less of a willingness to avoid him, suggesting dwindling respect.
When he was struggling, he was asked how many home runs he would require this season to have a realistic shot at Aaron's record. Bonds, with 721 at the time, quickly snapped he needed none because he was "capable of hitting 35 next year."
Now, he's 22 from passing Aaron and, barring injury, appears extremely capable of doing so. Just don't ask him about it because he steadfastly maintains "The Record" won't factor into his decision-making.
"I don't want to talk about it," he said of the pursuit. "I don't think about that stuff. I just want to be happy. As I get older, things change. I'm going to go home and relax. I'm not even going to the Bahamas this winter."
His manager, however, has no doubts what Bonds will be doing next year.
"Barry is going to play next year," Alou said Sunday. "We talked for 30 minutes and he didn't say he wasn't. I don't see him not playing with the type of season he's having."
Bonds, appearing far more mellow since the media glare has subsided, indeed is enjoying himself more these days. Perhaps realizing his playing days are limited, he seems more communicative with teammates.
"I'm having a great time," he said. "I love these guys. You're dealing with a group of men, real mature men. There's no jealousy. I'm the same person I've always been. There were times I thought it was me, but it wasn't.
"The guys asked me to do that (Paula Abdul of "American Idol") thing in spring training, and I was happy to do it. I'd never been asked to do stuff before. These guys are together. It's a great clubhouse. Chemistry does matter. People are respecting people for who they are."
Apparently, good chemistry doesn't translate into winning because the 2006 Giants will go down as mammoth underachievers. So why did it take Bonds so long to find clubhouse contentment?
"I don't know," he said. "Maybe because I'm playing with a lot of older veteran players like me. It's been a lot more enjoyable, a lot better for me. This is the way I've always wanted it. It's been really, really nice.
"We're a team."
About the writer: The Bee's Nick Peters can be reached at npeters@sacbee.com
