[GarySpFc]

About 35, .610, .280 . . .This is what you would expect from a very good player beginning the downward glide path. But then, all of a sudden, for the five seasons after that, numbers like 52, .780, .350?! Come on!

But steroids are not going to help his eye and bat coordination. Granted, I believe he knowingly took steroids, but the man is a great hitter, and I am not willing to take that away from him.

[uncbob]

But steroids are not going to help his eye and bat coordination.

BUt them 385 ft fly outs are now 410 ft homers

[Charles Henrickson]

the man is a great hitter, and I am not willing to take that away from him.

Nor I. Unfortunately, he took it away from himself. Now all his prowess and accomplishments will be forever tainted. As I said, if he had never gone dirty, Bonds would have ended up in the HOF anyway, ranked as perhaps one of the 12 best outfielders of all time. He would be lauded as a great all-around player. Now he will be more known for having a huge question mark by his name.

[Luddite Patent Counsel]

Tony Gwynn and Wade Boggs were great hitters, too. Would you have respect for them if they had juiced up and become prodigious home run hitters in their late 30's?
It's admirable to make the sacrifices entailed in training, working hard, taking care of yourself, and watching your diet. When you start to take drugs to alter your performance, giving you an unfair advantage, that's when you cross the line. Maybe Barry Bonds is a freak of nature, and just got stronger as he got older. Given the BALCO connection, I think the burden of proof has shifted to Barry to prove that he's clean.