Will Barry Bonds Reach 700 Home Runs This Year?

[coloradobuff]

red007,

I dont know about no one close to him. The discrepencies in his OBP and walks and strikeouts are all due to the fact that pitchers dont respect the batters who bat after him, whereas the Cards and Dodgers have a lot more pop in their lineups than the Giants do.

Bonds is amazing, no doubting this, its just that this race will be a lot closer than you think. (Gotta look at Rolen's defense, Beltre hitting 40+ homers in a pitcher's ballpark, etc).

Should be exciting last month no doubt about that.

 

[bzbwoy]

I think he has a very good chance of breaking 700 this year. Playoffs would increase the odds of breaking the 700 mark but i would rather see the cubbies get that wildcard spot.

 

[tuleythetout]

Playoff homers don't count (on season/career stats, that is)

 

[wilheim]

Bonds hit number #694 tonight (36th this year) against Atlanta's Jaret Wright, a 3 run shot in the first inning at Atlanta.


wil.

 

[Journeyman]

Only a career ending injury can stop the Amazing Bonds from catching Aaron now...

 

[postaldoug]

He still needs to play past 2005, I'll give him 35-40 in 2005. I'll call it about 50-50 for breaking all-time record, not a lock.

 

[Journeyman]

the American league could be where Barry ends up...I would like to see him get to 755 all while playing the outfield, but would not be surprised to see him end up over in the AL...

Doug, how can you say he is 50-50? Does he appear to be slowing down at the plate this year to you? .600+ OBP?

 

[postaldoug]

J-Man: He looks solid, yet older. Another winter, then a season, and a winter, then a season ( perhaps partial). He could lose a bit in that time.

Would you post up now at +100 he does it ? I wouldn't ! It would be OK with me if he does, he's one Hell of a ball-player. I'm content to let time tell. Too long to tie-up a bet, for me.

 

[Journeyman]

Yeah, I wouldn't tie up money for 2 years but I would lay even money he makes it...and a pretty good amount too...two years ago I posted a line on Barry's career number (may have to look it up) I think I had him at somewhere around 780 .... If he plays two years he should be at 780...Would he be motivated to push 800 ?

Who knows what his motivation is really...besides breaking the record.

 

[oldmanTED]

I think the Giants plan on keeping him in uniform at least until he breaks the record. And I think he really wants to end his career with the Giants given the family history with his father as well as Willy Mays being his godfather. Even though the AL has the DH, Barry is very much aware of his families needs now a lot more then when he was younger. It's important to him that his children's life be stable. I think all these will factor in. Unless he truly wants to continue playing, I just don't see him packing up his family and leaving SF at the age of 42.

 

[postaldoug]

J-man: An interesting prop... I'm leaving it alone. However a credit bet ( to avoid 2 years of tieng up funds) has merit ! Just too long for me ! I don't bet credit.

I hope you win !, but personally will abstain from this, if there's even a line, probably is one out there, not my style !

Best Luck,

Doug

 

[Journeyman]

No , I didnt make a wager...I suggested that as an O/U total a couple years ago...I would lay -150 even that Barry makes it.....I only wish i got to see more of his games, I think Bonds is not getting proper credit...his career minus the post season titles is every bit as spectacular as Michael Jordan's...

In Baseball one player has far less control over a team's chances compared to Hoops...Imagine if the NBA could have neutralized Jordan similarly to how baseball avoids Bonds almost anytime the game matters!!??

Bonds every bit as dominant as Jordan IMO

 

[postaldoug]

J-man: Comparing Jordan to Bonds has some merit, both dominant, however it's still comparing apples to oranges. Not even close, so baseball allows the intentional walk, no real equivalent in hoops, none I see anyway. Different game, different rules ! My opinion !

Any more on Skydiving ?

Doug

 

[Journeyman]

Just pointing out how strongly I feel about Bonds more than anything Doug....

His personality and where he plays has something to do with it,I still think Barry is underrated... what we are watching comes along maybe once every 50 yrs....Bonds may not ever get the recognition he deserves...I rank him 2nd all-time to Babe Ruth....

 

[wilheim]

Update of running thread, Bonds hits 695 and 696 (37,38th of season) tonight off Braves righty Russ Ortiz.

wil.

 

[oldmanTED]

The man is absolutely incredible. A month ago when I started this thread, truly believed he would have a tough time reaching 700 this year with needing 15 with 57 games to play and the Giants being in contention for the NL Wild Card spot.

Figured the opposing teams, particularly those in playoff contention would not pitch to him and the pressure of trying to reach the 700th would be too much to overcome in September. Instead, he cranks out 11 more too date in August and let us not forget he just turned 40 and is hitting over .360.

We are very fortunate to be witnessing such ability. Amazing!

 

[wilheim]

Barry Bonds hit his 697th homer (39th) and drove in three runs, and Edgardo Alfonzo had five hits in the San Francisco Giants' 18-7 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night.

 

[Journeyman]

# 698 and #40 this year for Bonds @ his favorite park Coor's Field...

 

[oldmanTED]

If you will indulge me, a little in game situation. It's the top of the 3rd inning, the Giants have just scored, closing the gap to 2-1. Alfonso is at second with one out and first base open. Going to intentionally walk Bonds right? Nope! First pitch is a strike called on the lower outside corner. Second pitch is a ball inside. The third pitch is a wild pitch advancing Alfonso to third, still with one out. Now, you have to intentionally walk Bonds and set up a possible double play by pitching to Snow because a fly ball ties the game right? Nope! Next pitch, parked to left field off the glove of Matt Holiday. This lifetime Giants fan wishes to thank manager Clint Hurdle.

 

[wilheim]

Barry Bonds hit a 460-foot shot off the bottom of the center-field scoreboard for his 699th career home run (41 this year). The ninth-inning drive Sunday helped the Giants regain the NL wild-card lead with a 5-2 win over the Diamondbacks in Arizona.


wil.