in MLB Articles

According to Barry Bonds’ personal website (www.BarryBonds.com), he says that his recovery from knee surgery is going well, slowly but surely. For the first time since spring training, Bonds recently played catch on the field. He was also able to walk up the Giants’ ballpark ramps and walk briskly around the entire playing surface a couple of times. Bonds is attempting to be ready by the all-star break. He currently sits third on the all-time home run list behind Hank Aaron and Base Ruth.

The last time we heard from Barry Bonds, he was talking about how the media was so harsh on him and his family and how he was dead tired from the circus that was his public life. So why come back then? This naturally surly individual clearly doesn’t like dealing with the constant barrage of media requests and inquiries; so why return? Could it be that he relishes being the bad guy and the challenge of being one step ahead of reporters’ questions. Moreover, the glory that goes along with being on top of his sport and the right to have an ego to go with it also has to be a factor. This is not a man that enjoys being humble.

If Barry Bonds were to fade into obscurity and never play ball again, he would be remembered for allegedly juicing, for running into tax problems and for being forced from the game by a series of knee problems. The temptation to come back and at least pass Babe Ruth on the career home run list has got to be tempting. While many of us wish the grouchy slugger would walk (or limp) off into the sunset, we know in our hearts that he is far from done. Expect Barry back in the second half of the season. I predict 17 homers in about 65 games.