Barry Bonds, OF, San Francisco Giants

December 30, 2006 @ 16:00:00

By Chris Kolb
Edited by Nicholas Minnix

As early as Dec. 7 the San Francisco Giants and outfielder Barry Bonds had reportedly agreed on a one-year, $16 million contract. The deal is still unofficial because the two sides are working out a number of details, and Bonds has yet to take a physical. In the 14 years that Bonds has called San Francisco home, he has put up some mind-boggling statistics. He has also shocked the world with his eccentric behavior both on and off the field.

With that said, some might argue that Bonds has brought a playmaking ability not seen in Major League Baseball since the likes of baseball greats Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and Joe DiMaggio played the game. The seven-time Most Valuable Player of the National League, 13-time All-Star and eight-time Gold Glove Award Winner is currently sitting on 734 home runs. He is just 22 home runs away from breaking the seemingly unbreakable career home run record of 755 set by former outfielder Hank Aaron in 1976.

While the Giants signing of Bonds, who is 42 years old, will almost certainly aid their lineup, it does raise some interesting questions in regards to their defensive abilities in the outfield. Bonds is not as fleet of foot as he once was, and tends to be defensive liability rather than an asset.

One of the biggest attributes that Bonds brings to the table for the Giants is his amazing ability to get on base in a variety of ways. No player in the history of Major League Baseball has been walked by an opposing pitcher more often than Bonds. Much of that success is due to Bonds' outstanding hitting ability. There have been few pitchers in the majors with the nerve and talent level to go toe-to-toe with Bonds, and live to throw another pitch.

Table: Barry Bonds, OF, San Francisco Giants - Career Stats

Year	Team	AB	Hits	Runs	HR	RBI	SO	BB	BA
1986	PIT	413	92	72	16	48	102	65	.223
1987	PIT	551	144	99	25	59	88	54	.261
1988	PIT	538	152	97	24	58	82	72	.283
1989	PIT	580	144	96	19	58	93	93	.248
1990	PIT	519	156	104	33	114	83	93	.301
1991	PIT	510	149	95	25	116	73	107	.292
1992	PIT	473	147	109	34	103	69	127	.311
1993	SF	539	181	129	46	123	79	126	.336
1994	SF	391	122	89	37	81	43	74	.312
1995	SF	506	149	109	33	104	83	120	.294
1996	SF	517	159	122	42	129	76	151	.308
1997	SF	532	155	123	40	101	87	145	.291
1998	SF	552	167	120	37	122	92	130	.303
1999	SF	355	93	91	34	83	62	73	.262
2000	SF	480	147	129	49	106	77	117	.306
2001	SF	476	156	129	73	137	93	177	.328
2002	SF	403	149	117	46	110	47	198	.370
2003	SF	390	133	111	45	90	58	148	.341
2004	SF	373	135	129	45	101	41	232	.362
2005	SF	42	12	8	5	10	6	9	.286
2006	SF	367	99	74	26	77	51	115	.270

On the flipside, Bonds brings a large amount of on-the-field and off-the-field issues with him, which could cause myriad problems for the Giants' new manager, Bruce Bochy. While Bochy is known to have a more laidback approach in dealing with his players, he could very well experience some level of trouble in dealing with Bonds, as Bonds has had more than his share of controversy since he joined the Giants in 1993. Bonds is a very demanding person, someone who expects everyone around him to defer to his judgment on the team's issues, yet Bonds also prefers to avoid the spotlight of the media whenever possible, which has rubbed more than one fellow player on his team in the wrong way. In addition, the U.S. government has a potential case against Bonds for perjury stemming from the steroid hearings a couple of years ago. The holdup in the current contract negotiations revolves around these issues, for which the Giants insist there be provisions. This could effectively make Bonds less of a problem than he has been in the past.

From a fantasy point-of-view, Bonds' return to the Giants is probably one of the better moves that he could have made. A move to the American League as a designated hitter might've presented a better chance to stay healthy, though. Bonds could put up solid fantasy numbers this upcoming season, especially in regards to walks, home runs and RBI. With his ever increasing age, injuries and bulk, Bonds has lost a few steps. He doesn't have the blazing speed that he was known for earlier on in his career, so you can expect his stolen base total to minimal at best.

Although some baseball fans will be awaiting the day that Bonds hits home run No. 756, the Giants know that Bonds' home run-hitting ability cannot carry the team any longer. They need consistent play from all of their players to stay competitive in their division and league next season.

The Giants have been unable to make any significant moves to upgrade their roster this offseason, but the few signings they have completed should allow them to play with sound fundamentals, which is something Bochy values. The club lost outfielder Moises Alou (New York Mets), but they retained third baseman Pedro Feliz. In addition, the Giants re-signed second baseman Ray Durham and added outfielder Dave Roberts (Padres). Roberts is coming off a career year and could be the catalyst for the rest of the lineup. This should also help Bonds' batting statistics this season, as he should have the chance to drive in runs.

Despite Bonds' erratic off-the-field behavior, he is still a talented hitter, and as the team's iconic superstar, Bonds brings the large crowds to the ballpark that every team enjoys having. All in all, the re-signing of Bonds should prove to be a good move for both the Giants and Bonds alike, as it is a team and a city that Bonds seems to feel the most comfortable playing in. If Bonds can stay healthy and get the at-bats, he could put up solid fantasy numbers. Don't expect much more than what he did last season, though. He's a risk because of all of the uncertainties surrounding him, but in the middle rounds he could provide value for 2007, a season in which history could be made.

KFFLians are saying....

Comment

 

---

What do you think? We want to hear from you!

Name: E-mail: Please, enter the number that you see

Comment Guidelines

Chris Kolb
Chris Kolb has been a KFFL contributor since 2006.

Talk Sports 24/7!
KFFL Sports Forums: Over 24,000 strong and growing!

One Day FREE Fantasy Contest - $350 in cash prizes (05/24)
Fantasy baseball players in the news (05/24)
Fantasy football players in the news (05/24)
Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market: Dee Gordon's problems at bat (05/23)
Fantasy Baseball Player Prospecting: Will Smith, Yordano Ventura, Wil Myers, more (05/23)
Fantasy Baseball Roundtable: How trade talks develop (05/23)
Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat: Tyler Clippard, J.J. Putz (05/23)
Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market: Mark Teixeira's ill beginnings (05/23)
Fantasy NASCAR race preview: Coca-Cola 600 (05/23)
Fantasy baseball closer depth charts - AL (05/23)