Bonds Investigation

I'm all for investigating Barry Bonds, but what are we truly attempting to accomplish here? I'm all for finding out the truth, but if (when) we discover Bonds used muscle-enhancing drugs, what then? Will we put astricts by his numbers and records? How will we know when it started or who else used similar drugs during the past decade or so? What if pitchers used them as well? What if Bonds hit a home run while on these drugs off a pitcher who was also on the drugs? What then?

I think it's important to know the truth, but players have been trying to find an edge in the game of baseball throughout its history. Does that make it right? No, of course not. But, that's just been a part of the game throughout its history. Players will try to get around and beat the system in any way they can to be one step ahead of their opponents.

What I don't understand is why everyone is pointing at Bonds. The real important issue is to get a stranglehold on steroids and muscle-enhancing drugs in the game of baseball. Sosa and McGwire used muscle-enhancers during their big home run years, but nothing was said of it then, because they helped lift baseball's popularity again after the strike. But, now since baseball's popularity has stabilized some in recent years, then it's allright to go after Bonds.

Whether Bonds used muscle-enhancing drugs or not, he will still go down as one of the best players I've ever seen. He has several gold gloves for his solid work in left field, has hit 708 home runs, has many stolen bases to go along with those homers, and has always hit for a solid average. His OBP (on-base percentage) has been unbelievable the past few years.

Bonds' big issue is the way the media portrays him to the public. Bonds doesn't say much and when he does, it usually isn't the most friendly. But, because of this, it's difficult for most people to root for Bonds in the investigation and in the chase of the all-time home run record. Most people would rather Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth be 1 and 2 on the all-time list than for Bonds to be in the top two. Unless something devastating happens to Bonds in the next month and a half or so, Bonds will pass Ruth to be second on the all-time list. The only question is will he be back another season to try and pass Aaron for the all-time home run record or will he have the opportunity to pass Aaron this season? Will Bonds' on-the-field achievements and success be forever questioned because of the muscle-enhancers? That is still to be seen.

I do hope the truth is revealed about Bonds and his history with illegal substances, but more importantly, I hope that baseball is able to get a tighter grip on the league overall. so that only a minimal number of players use them (until they get caught).

As for Bonds, I think there's no question he deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. He's the only player in history to be in the 500/500 club (home runs/stolen bases), has his collection of gold globes, all-star appearances, a great batting average, on-base percentage, and a history of winning. With all that behind his belt, I don't even think that muscle-enhancing drugs could keep him out of the Hall. His power numbers may be a bit higher than they should, but everything else is not due to muscle enhancers. All Barry really needs to work on is how to be more personable. If he got that down pat, he may soon realize that not everyone is out to get him.