Wrigley not in Bonds' 756 plans
SAN FRANCISCO -- After a weekend series at AT&T Park against the hated Los Angeles Dodgers, Barry Bonds will bring his home-run show to Wrigley Field on Monday, when his San Francisco Giants open a four-game series against the Cubs.
Bonds enters the second half five homers shy of breaking Henry Aaron's all-time record of 755.
Bonds enters the second half five homers shy of breaking Henry Aaron's all-time record of 755.
Cubs All-Star first baseman Derrek Lee -- a big fan of Bonds -- knows how he'd pitch to the feared slugger next week.
(AP)
Cubs All-Star first baseman Derrek Lee -- a big fan of Bonds -- knows how he'd pitch to the feared slugger next week.
''I would do this every time,'' Lee said, displaying four fingers -- the dugout sign for an intentional walk. ''I mean, you can't pitch to him. He's one of those guys that you just hope pops out because you can't fool him. There is really no zone to go to to get him out. I guess that's what makes him the greatest hitter ever.''
Don't expect Bonds to break Aaron's record in Chicago. Those in Bonds' inner circle insist he will do everything possible to break the record in front of a friendly home crowd at AT&T Park. Anywhere else, and Bonds risks being booed.
But commissioner Bud Selig -- echoing the stance former commissioner Bowie Kuhn took in 1974 when Aaron was on the cusp of breaking Babe Ruth's record -- does not want the Giants to sit Bonds to ensure a record-breaker at home.
''I hope everybody uses their good judgment,'' Selig said Tuesday. ''You play your best players.''
The Bonds camp envisions a dream scenario. After the series against the Cubs, the Giants play three games in Milwaukee, where Bonds could tie the mark in Selig's hometown.
The Giants then return home to open a seven-game homestand with a four-game series against the Atlanta Braves -- Aaron's former team -- on July 23. Bonds celebrates his 43rd birthday on July 24.