[pete_b]

Okay people I am gonna bite the bullet here and say that although getting to 714 is a big milestone, it is not THE milestone. In order for it to be a record it has to be the best right? Let's cheer Barry on to not only pass Babe Ruth but to pass Aaron. Forty homers is not alot and I know that a healthy Barry could do it. The thing is though is that this is Barry's last year on his contract and considering all the abuse, why play another year? I'll tell you why.....756!!!!

[EmpireWF]

Nobody genuinely wants Bonds to hit these HRs, it's just a necessary evil. Plus ESPN seems in love with the guy. Anyway, Bonds could care less about Aarons 755 record. He's said in the past that he just wants to pass Ruth and he's about to do that.

I predict Bonds will fall short via 10-20 HRs of Aaron and will either retire or go to the AL (DH...although I don't know his contract status).

Adding, the only way MLB should put an asterisk or anything like that is if they have concrete proof that Bonds did use roids. Not, secret testimony either.

[ThePundit]

There was a joke in the NY Post:

Q: Did you hear ESPN has a new show about Barry Bonds?

A: It's called SportsCenter.

[MJHMarc]

Haha that's funny, ThePundit!

I agree. The media is getting carried away with this Barry Bonds hype. I think they should have a big celebration when he breaks the record...until then, relax.

I don't think this whole "Chasing the Ruth" segment is neccessary. Seriously, he is going to break the record any second, now. Does it make a difference when? His record is just going to be a number with an asterisk next to it(at least in people's minds) on a board full of other sluggers. It has no significance anymore, now move on.

Barry Bonds' media image has gone down the drain.

[EmpireWF]

There's no way MLB can have a big celebration after any of Bonds' accomplishments with HRs. It would be as if they're rewarding his roided up past...and that's something you don't do. Plus it brings attention to that past and that's something MLB sorely doesn't want.

[ThePundit]

Empire is right. Bud Selig is praying that Bonds retires after this year.

[pete_b]

Empire,
I think youre right about what you said that Bond's doesnt care about the Aaron record but don't you think maybe if he got healthy and got close that he would care? I mean are we all insinuating that Bond's is just a racist and only cares about getting Ruth out of there? I know Verducci is...did anyone read the guys article on si .com? http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...uth/index.html

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by EmpireWF

Nobody genuinely wants Bonds to hit these HRs, it's just a necessary evil. Plus ESPN seems in love with the guy. Anyway, Bonds could care less about Aarons 755 record. He's said in the past that he just wants to pass Ruth and he's about to do that.

I predict Bonds will fall short via 10-20 HRs of Aaron and will either retire or go to the AL (DH...although I don't know his contract status).

Adding, the only way MLB should put an asterisk or anything like that is if they have concrete proof that Bonds did use roids. Not, secret testimony either.

Bonds has a heck of an ego...deep down he does care...he will never admit it in front of a rolling camera, but he care...If he gets in the 30 Homer range this year, he's gonna think he has enough in the tank and comeback...if he hits less than 19 he might call it...

BTW, I think Aaron hit 12 and 10 his last two seasons...so, you never know who is motivated to hang on, and who isn't...

[MJHMarc]

He isn't a consistent hitter but won't be a bad guy to have in your outfield next year.

The clock is still ticking for Barry Bonds to hit #715...

Barry Bonds' numbers on pace for 2006: .245, 24HRs, 67RBIs

Current Update:Barry Bonds has gone .400 in his last 10AB

(I think) He said that he would retire even if he doesn't break the record! But that is just a bunch of "bologna".

[Sports Fan]

Hey Guys, Did you ever think about how many home runs Babe Ruth would have had If he didn't pitch? I don't know about Bonds catching Aaron. I don't think he will If he stays in the National League, Let's face It he can't play defense anymore.

[MJHMarc]

He hasn't played good defense in years. His knees have been injured too many times and he cannot play in the field anymore. He shows no effort or enthusiam fielding and only takes pride at the bat. What should Barry Bonds do about his future?

I predict that he will either:
(a)retire
(b)go to the AL as a DH
(c)play LF in a wheelchair.

I am sorry Pete_b, but I just had to let that off my chest.

[ThePundit]

Somewhere in one of my previous posts, I noted that Graig Nettles won the AL home run title with only 32 dingers in '76 (today that would be 50 homers). In the NY post today, Nettles rips Bonds. I think this is how the majority of baseball fans feel.
http://www.nypost.com/sports/66751.htm

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by ThePundit

Somewhere in one of my previous posts, I noted that Graig Nettles won the AL home run title with only 32 dingers in '76 (today that would be 50 homers). In the NY post today, Nettles rips Bonds. I think this is how the majority of baseball fans feel.
http://www.nypost.com/sports/66751.htm

In the words of Wilt Chamberlain..."nobody loves Goliath"...Bonds this and Bonds that...Nettles in all his pin strip glory (and Indian glory as well) was no Barry Bonds...shouldn't rip a player whose talents you were not even close to having...

[ThePundit]

Why can't Nettles rip a guy for taking steroids?

And Nettles did something that Bonds has never done: Perform well when it counted, in October. Nettles actually came through huge in the 1978 World Series, singlehandedly winning game 3 against LA when the Yankees were already down 2-0 in that series. If Nettles doesn't give pretty much the greatest fielding clinic in the history of baseball, the Yankees do not win that series.

Now Barry B.S. (before steroids) was what, 1 for 50 in the post season? Maybe Barry should talk to Nettles and he might learn something.

Come now Pundit...hating Barry aside...Nettles was no where near the ball player Bonds was...as for the greatest clinic...you are over looking Brook Robinson destroying the 1970 Reds...Nettle's rode the Yankee coat tails...Bonds got stuck in Pittsburgh and San Fransico...long before steroids became an issue, Nettles still was not in Bonds company...give credit where its due...

It's just in fashion to bash Bonds for what MLB has allowed for nearly a decade now...heck, if you are going after him, why not baseball in general 1995-present?

[MJHMarc]

Here is a quick update.

Barry Bonds hit his 715th career homerun off an unlucky pitcher named, Byung-Hyun Kim.