[Lefty Noob]

I know this should be a no brainer considering all the guy has done during his (steroid-aided?) career, but considering all of the hubbub surrounding the steroid issue and the book, but the fact that he missed nearly all of last season injured, would you draft Barry Bonds? If so, in what round should you start giving him a look?

[EmpireWF]

Personally I would stay far away from Bonds. Ofcourse it's too tantilizing not to take him if he's still there in round 7-10. I've been in drafts where he's gone as early as the 4th and as late as the 8th. It depends on if you can risk it if he's not playing for an extended period of time.

But I wouldn't want to test it, just use the pick on a more stable player.

[witter]

I would keep Bonds on your draft day list. As a matter of principle, I would wait until the middle rounds. (How do you like those values?) I don't like his character, but this is Fantasy baseball. If I had to sit with him in the clubhouse, he would not be an option. However, if you are in the 4th, 5th, or 6th round and you need a power guy, go for him. You could always drop him if he is not productive. There is an abundance of quality outfielders that could replace an underperforming Bonds. But how many of these outfielders have averaged the numbers Bonds has displayed the last 5 years, excluding his injuries last year? As far as I am concerned it is a high reward/low risk proposition.

Now drafting the teamless Sammy Sosa....... that's another story.

[Lefty Noob]

I agree, witter. If he's a third or fourth outfielder, I don't see how you CAN pass him up. As you say, risk is low and reward potential is very, very high. The way Bonds is looking this spring, I honestly think this guy could hit 50 out of the park this season and be MVP again in '06. Who wouldn't want that kind of output on their fantasy team? Sure, there's no guarantees, but when is there ever?

[Wizard of Os]

Sudden thought: If i do take Bonds on a fantasy team, how many asterisks do i get?

Cheers.