The Predicate

Tags: Barry Bonds, baseball, Giants.

Where were you when Barry Bonds hit Home Run No.715 yesterday against the Cardinals? I was at the Giants ball park, right field, with my son watching the first live baseball game of his life. What a way to be a part of history.

Oh, well.

We did go to the Giants game last night, but Barry Bonds remained stuck on 714. No passing the Babe in that game. He went 1-for-4 with an RBI single. Instead, we saw Albert Pujols hit yet another homer, his league-leading 23rd of the season. Thanks for not hitting that big homer, Barry. Thanks for nothing.

Being in Giants country, one cannot escape from listening to all sides of the Barry Bonds controversy ad nauseum in the sports radio talk shows. A lot has been argued either side, that it is difficult to add anything new to the conversation. Anyway, quickly, this is what I think I think (yeah, I know, I do follow Peter King's NFL articles):

1. Baseball is a game that thrives on gawking at records and milestones. And nothing comes bigger than Babe Ruth's 714. Breaking that number is something that is an ultimate achievement in sports. 714 in baseball is probably the same as 99.96 in cricket. Among records and milestones held in high esteem, 714 probably ranks higher than Hank Aaron's 755. The closest record that generates such awe is probably Joe DiMaggio's 56 (consecutive games hitting streak). So, there is no question that Barry Bonds is flirting with all-time greatness here.

2. All-time greatness is exactly why there is such a good deal of opposition and criticism about Barry Bonds. I too think that Bonds cheated his way into the record books, and the sanctity of baseball's ultimate feats are lost by his pursuit. Bonds can cover it up all he wants, he can keep claiming that he didn't take anything illegal that Victor Conte gave him. He can keep painting the picture of a genuine slogger unfairly witchhunted by the media. But, whether there is evidence or not, whether he is actually guilty or not, he is guilty in my books. He juiced; He passed his Godfather Willie Mays and now tore down Babe Ruth with who knows how many shots up his backside. His career and records will forever be tainted. Put a big asterisk next to his Homers. Make sure there is a disclaimer below in his HoF placard.

3. Yes, others did too. Giambi did it, McGwire did it, Sosa did it (and used a corked bat to top it off). But they are not up there breaking the top records of the game. If they did, they would get the heat from the public as well. Come next January and McGwire becomes eligible for the HoF election. l am sure some votes will go against him.

4. Barry Bonds as a personality comes off as very arrogant, self-absorbed, inconsistent, and anything but a role model to youngsters. I think part of the problem that Bonds finds himself in is because of his attitude. His whole me-against-the-world thing might have helped him keep focus on his game, but it makes him look like a guy with an ego bigger than his stats. One thing is for sure. Barry ain't no Cal Ripken Jr.

5. It is only a matter of time before he hits # 715. With Ruth out of the way, will he set his sights on Hank Aaron? If I were to bet, I would bet that Hank Aaron's record will be left untouched. Bonds is nowhere close to being the powerful hitter that he was a couple of seasons back. He won't pass Aaron this season. He is also a huge liability on the field. In the game against the Cards, I could see that he can't make a good defensive play to save his life. With Giants not firing offensively, they cannot afford to have Barry's sloppy defense. Bonds is not going to take them to the playoffs this year. Bonds just does not fit in the National League. He can probably work a season out with some team in the American League, where he can be a Designated Hitter. I doubt that teams will be willing to pay huge amounts of money to get a 43 year old person with a hobbled knee who can go on the DL anytime, as a DH.

So, Barry, take your 715 and go on for some time and fade out. No "Bonds on Bonds" or the "I am framed by the media" interviews. Just go off. Whatever you say, people will still think you juiced it up. Come back up when you are up for a HoF selection. Who knows, you may even sneak in based on your initial years. So, just shut up and leave gracefully. Don't even fight the Chronicle reporters who exposed the details of the Conte trial. You know that they are right.

Anyway, let him be stuck on 714. Not that I would have made big bucks if I had caught his #715 yesterday

- Balaji Srinivasan.