Will Barry catch Hank this year? [Archive]

wilkerson_rulz-06

01-03-2006, 10:44 AM

Barry Bonds will enter the season with 708 career homeruns so he needs 48 homeruns to pass Hank for the all-time lead. However, Barry is nearly 48 himself.

I don't think he will.
2 or 3 more seasons.

KCGHOST

01-03-2006, 11:24 AM

Not likely. He probably won't play in enough games tohave a real opportunity.

Hammerin Hank

01-03-2006, 02:01 PM

All he needs is 90 games or 200 at bats.

BoofBonser26

01-03-2006, 02:23 PM

All he needs is 90 games or 200 at bats.
:laugh :laugh :laugh

OldEnglishD

01-03-2006, 02:24 PM

Where's the "If he plays enough" option ?

I don't think he will this year. Not sure if he'll stick around long enough to ever do it.

Blackout

01-03-2006, 02:35 PM

Assuming he comes back at his 2001-04 pace, he needs realistically to play all 162 games next year, and then a month or two in 07

west coast orange and black

01-03-2006, 03:15 PM

going on the premise of "one major milestone per year" theory, bonds is set to break ruth's record this season, and aaron's record next season.

charlesblalack@yahoo.com

01-03-2006, 03:34 PM

He doesn't see enough pitches to hit near 50 homeruns.

Mattingly

01-03-2006, 03:38 PM

going on the premise of "one major milestone per year" theory, bonds is set to break ruth's record this season, and aaron's record next season.
I'd say so also. Had this been 2002 and he had the same 708 dingers that he's currently got, it would be a question of not whether he'd do it this year, but in which stadium and month (August or September).

If he hits at least 30 this season, I'd say that, so long as he remains interested in continuing his career and can remain injury-free, I'd say that it would be a foregone conclusion he'd hit the other 18 to get him to #756.

Since people were going absolutely possessively crazy about his 600th hit, I'll also wonder what they'll do if/when he hits the 756th longball.

Astro

01-03-2006, 05:41 PM

Will Bonds get pitches to hit as he gets closer?

Will he really want to play just to break the record (because with that team he is on, when they start to fall theyre gonna fall fast)

Mattingly

01-03-2006, 06:27 PM

Will Bonds get pitches to hit as he gets closer?
That's the thing. If/when he gets really close, like 745 or 750, will managers or pitch coaches order their guys to IBB him, or at least the unintentional/intentional walk thing?

I can see if it's 2 on, 1 out, bottom of the 8th and SFG is down by 1 run, then they walk him, but if the Giants' opponent is up by 4-5 runs, bottom of the 9th, 2 outs (yeah, yeah, you know the story), what have they got to lose if he smacks an otherwise unhittable pitch for a souvenir?
Will he really want to play just to break the record (because with that team he is on, when they start to fall theyre gonna fall fast)
His desire to continue playing, as well as his health, remain an issue. I've heard rumblings in the past of his wanting to DH for an AL team, but I'm not sure that Giants fans would allow their chief drawing card and practically the name and face of the team, get away that quickly.

When he'd played at Yankee Stadium for the first time June 2002 (and wallopped a monstrous bullet off Ted Lilly into the RF upper deck), he'd insisted upon being the DH, which Dusty for some reason, didn't challenge him on.

Brannu

01-03-2006, 06:36 PM

Dravecky43

01-03-2006, 07:02 PM

In 2003, Barry hit 45 homeruns in 130 games. He only needs 38 homeruns to do it. He could do that, realistically, in 120 games. I voted yes, but, if he doesn't do it this year, I don't think he ever will. I really can't imagine him playing beyond this year - on those knees. But, what do I know?

Oops ... edit ... why did I think Aaron only hit 745. Barry won't hit 48 homeruns this season. I highly doubt it. Then, I stick with my premise. He gets 2nd place this year ... then hobbles into retirement.
So the only "yes" vote is actually a "no"? I personally voted "no". I believe I said in another thread that he will hit 40 this year. Whether he comes back for 2007 or not will probably rest one how close he is to the record and if the Giants win it all this year. With a healthy season he will be very close to the record, and I think the Giants have a small chance of taking it. If they win the World Series, I believe he will retire.

steveox

01-03-2006, 07:19 PM

When he hits a homer 2 things should be checked out.One his Bat and his steroid testing.

BasEbaLlKnoItAll

01-03-2006, 07:37 PM

When he hits a homer 2 things should be checked out.One his Bat and his steroid testing.
Because that would be very fair!

...If he is healthy all year then he will do it. He hit sveveral last year in something like 14 games, he's still got it in him, he'll do it. Isnt he only 40-something away.

KingJ

01-03-2006, 07:37 PM

He will if the Giants move him to a more knee-friendly position like 1B.

BasEbaLlKnoItAll

01-03-2006, 07:39 PM

He will if the Giants move him to a more knee-friendly position like 1B.
I doubt they will do that and I doubt he would want to do that.

Dravecky43

01-03-2006, 08:10 PM

He will if the Giants move him to a more knee-friendly position like 1B.
Yeah, that ain't gonna happen. There have been many questions asked by readers on the Giants' website to the writer there wondering if he will switch, and each time there is a big NO.

BasEbaLlKnoItAll

01-03-2006, 08:36 PM

He prides himself too much on being an outfielder. Ive heard him refer to his "dream outfield" several times. Him in left, Willie in Center, his dad in right. He wont move.

csh19792001

01-03-2006, 08:56 PM

He gets 2nd place this year ... then hobbles into retirement.

Let's hope so. ;)

Evangelion

01-03-2006, 11:26 PM

All he needs is 90 games or 200 at bats.
If he need 2 more home-runs, you know he would be average a home run every 4 at bat from what you're saying, correct?

Bonds is still a great player, as shocking as that may sound, but he prove he can still be a threat, if healthy, last season by playing the last few games and still be an offensive threat and hitting a few home runs to boot. Do I think he will do this year? Nope, but I do believe he will break Ruth's record, which I believe he really wanted to break badly. Do I believe he will do it at all? Depend on what happen this season to be honest. If he's happen to play with those injuries for a full season and hit a good amount of home runs, then I can see it happen.

At this point though, I'm a doubter he can do, because of his age and injuries. To be honest, I prefer he didn't break Hamming Hank's record.

Honus Wagner Rules

01-03-2006, 11:34 PM

going on the premise of "one major milestone per year" theory, bonds is set to break ruth's record this season, and aaron's record next season.
What "record" does Ruth have? There was major hoopla when Bonds passed Mays. All these articles of Bonds passing Mays' record. But what record to Bonds pass? Mays does not have the all-time HR record. Mays does not have the all-time NL record. By passing Mays Bonds did NOT break the all-time Giants franchise HR record. When Bonds passed Mays he did not break the S.F Giants HR record. It's the same with Ruth. What HR "record" does Ruth have other than the most HRs by a lefty? :confused:

Honus Wagner Rules

01-03-2006, 11:37 PM

Dravecky43

01-03-2006, 11:44 PM

I'm surprised that no one has brought up Bonds age. Bonds will be 42 years old in July. No 42-year old has ever come close to hit 35-40 HRs in a season. So why should we expect Bonds to just easily hit 35-40 HRs?
Because it's hard to imagine a guy doing what he has done the past few years (2005 excluded) dropping that far down in such a short time.

runningshoes

01-04-2006, 12:43 AM

Not sure if he'll stick around long enough to ever do it.

I'll be praying.

hiddengem

01-04-2006, 12:54 AM

I think he will. From the things I've heard he's more motivated than ever.

ElCaminoSS

01-04-2006, 01:26 AM

I dont see how anyone could think he'll do it this year.

Evangelion

01-04-2006, 05:02 AM

I'm surprised that no one has brought up Bonds age. Bonds will be 42 years old in July. No 42-year old has ever come close to hit 35-40 HRs in a season. So why should we expect Bonds to just easily hit 35-40 HRs?
Well, he came back for 14 games last season with his busted up knee's and hit 5 home runs in 14 games. Everybody is aware of his age, but so far, he's prove to put consistent numbers each and every year until last season where injuries de-railed him. If his knee's hold up and that's a big if for me, I don't see why it's not possible for him to hit 30 plus home runs next season.

He did average 40 plus home runs the last five seasons until 2005, count his 73 home run season. So, until he goes out there or can't go out there due to injury, I really can't say he doesn't have a legit chance of hitting that many home runs when he's playing. Bonds is a special type of player, even if he's using steriods or not and I'm not going to speculate on the matter of whether or not he's on steriods. Until I see proof he's not special, I have to give the man credit for the type of player he is, even if I'm not a huge fan of him or his attitude.

csh19792001

01-04-2006, 10:20 AM

What HR "record" does Ruth have other than the most HRs by a lefty? :confused:

American League history, I suppose.

csh19792001

01-04-2006, 10:22 AM

I'll be praying.

Praying for what?

Brian McKenna

01-04-2006, 12:00 PM

as he nears it - there will be a lot of oldtimers and even aaron himself denigrating the steroid users and how the game is now skewed - i know f. robby won't hold his tongue - mays will kiss his ass though

BigStellyPADRES4LIFE

01-04-2006, 12:04 PM

All I can say is.... I hope not, and i dont think hell get enough pitches to get it at least this year. Personally I hope he never passes Babe Ruth but im sure that will happen.

Rowe

01-04-2006, 09:04 PM

With the Giants' current set of infielders (Vizquel, Niekro, and Feliz are all outs), even if Bonds is able to perform at his best and without pain, he won't be able to get 400 AB because of walks. Also, it's guaranteed he won't be getting any PAs during mop-up time.

So, no, 47 is too many.

runningshoes

01-04-2006, 09:10 PM

Praying for what?

That he doesn't stick around long enought to "break" the record.

digglahhh

01-04-2006, 09:58 PM

I highly doubt he will do pass Aaron this season, if he doesn't and is hurting, I don't think retirement is out of the question.

I think it is fair to say that Bonds cares more about Ruth than Aaron, at least in terms of what is more important to him.

Honus Wagner Rules

01-04-2006, 11:02 PM

Because it's hard to imagine a guy doing what he has done the past few years (2005 excluded) dropping that far down in such a short time.
It has happened to the best players of all-time before. For instance as a 39 year old Hank Aaron had a huge year.

1973: .301/.402/.643, 40 HRs, 96 RBI, 81 runs (only 392 ABs!)

This was huge year for Aaron. He fell off to 20 HRs, 12 HRs, and 10 HRs the next three seasons.

There is no precedence or any 42 year old hitting 35-40 HRs...

Honus Wagner Rules

01-04-2006, 11:04 PM

Well, he came back for 14 games last season with his busted up knee's and hit 5 home runs in 14 games. Everybody is aware of his age, but so far, he's prove to put consistent numbers each and every year until last season where injuries de-railed him. If his knee's hold up and that's a big if for me, I don't see why it's not possible for him to hit 30 plus home runs next season.

He did average 40 plus home runs the last five seasons until 2005, count his 73 home run season. So, until he goes out there or can't go out there due to injury, I really can't say he doesn't have a legit chance of hitting that many home runs when he's playing. Bonds is a special type of player, even if he's using steriods or not and I'm not going to speculate on the matter of whether or not he's on steriods. Until I see proof he's not special, I have to give the man credit for the type of player he is, even if I'm not a huge fan of him or his attitude.

Fourteen games doesn't really tell us anything really. Plus his BA was way down. Physically Bonds is past his peak, Every day he ages his body is getting weaker and weaker. That's just the process of aging.

Honus Wagner Rules

01-04-2006, 11:05 PM

American League history, I suppose.

Great catch csh19792001.:clapping However, Bonds has never played in the American League.

west coast orange and black

01-04-2006, 11:08 PM

Honus Wagner Rules: What "record" does Ruth have?
"milestone" is the word that i used.

There was major hoopla when Bonds passed Mays... But what record to Bonds pass?
it was a milestone.

confused
i hope that i helped, wags.

west coast orange and black

01-04-2006, 11:13 PM

bkmckenna: f. robby won't hold his tongue - mays...
i love frank robinson to death, but he was quoted several times years ago that using wasn't cheating, it was merely gaining an advantage. he even jokingly annointed himself "the thumb", as the #5 man on the all-time home run list. when he saw the handwriting on the wall and realized that sosa was certinly going to surpass him, he changed his tune.

if you think that buck kisses anyone's backside you simply do not know jack about the man.

Dravecky43

01-04-2006, 11:22 PM

It has happened to the best players of all-time before. For instance as a 39 year old Hank Aaron had a huge year.

1973: .301/.402/.643, 40 HRs, 96 RBI, 81 runs (only 392 ABs!)

This was huge year for Aaron. He fell off to 20 HRs, 12 HRs, and 10 HRs the next three seasons.

There is no precedence or any 42 year old hitting 35-40 HRs...
Point taken.

Honus Wagner Rules

01-04-2006, 11:36 PM