Bonds finalizes deal with Giants

Baseball Betting Lines

01/30/2007 - San Francisco, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Barry Bonds will officially continue to chase towards Hank Aaron's home run record next season, as he signed a one- year deal worth a reported $15.8 million on Monday.

Although the Giants didn't reveal the cost of the contract, the San Francisco Chronicle reported the price that bring's the slugger back to San Francisco for a 15th season. The newspaper reports the deal could reach $20 million with through performance clauses.

Bonds just completed a five-year, $90 million deal with the Giants. He was on the free agent market, but very few teams showed interest at the price he was asking. The Giants likely signed him for so much out of respect for what he has done for the organization despite being in the middle of the steroid storm.

"The process of negotiating this contract was complex, lengthy and highly unconventional. We spent significant time evaluating all of the elements and circumstances surrounding the negotiations before we made a final determination to move forward," said Giants president and managing general partner Peter Magowan. "The agreement was finalized only after we achieved reasonable assurances and protections, and only after we were convinced that the Giants' players will be able to function as a team committed to supporting each other and dedicated to doing everything they can to succeed on the playing field."

Bonds hit .270 with 26 home runs and 77 runs batted in last season with the Giants. He also moved past the legendary Babe Ruth last season for second place on the all-time home runs list, and is now 22 homers short of breaking Aaron's all-time record of 755.

"Barry provides us with a proven middle-of-the-order, run-producing bat," said Giants senior vice president and general manager Brian Sabean. "With his presence in our lineup and a one-year contractual commitment, we were able to avoid the temptation to trade away some of our valuable young pitching talent and were able to free up long-range funds to acquire a frontline pitcher. These decisions enabled us to sign Barry Zito, retain our promising and highly sought after young pitchers and fill our need for a power hitter in the middle of our lineup. We believe this combination of moves provides the Giants with a better chance of winning in 2007 and in the years ahead."

The Giants didn't offer Bonds arbitration by a December 1 deadline, but because of baseball's new collective bargaining agreement, the team still was able to negotiate a contract with their slugger. He finally came to terms on a contract December 7 at the Baseball Winter Meetings, but had to pass a physical and have the language in his contract worked out before a deal could be finalized.

"I am excited to announce that I will be playing baseball in a Giants uniform this season," Bonds said on his Web site. "I have always said, and continue to say, that San Francisco is my home and where I want to be. I am committed to the organization and I am looking forward to a championship season with my teammates."

A seven-time National League MVP and 13-time All-Star, Bonds rewrote the record books in 2001 by hitting 73 home runs, but much of the recent focus has been on his potential link to performance-enhancing drugs.

The Giants' roster and coaching staff has undergone plenty of changes since the season ended. Bruce Bochy, the ex-manager of the San Diego Padres, agreed to a three-year deal to skipper the Giants. The team also brought back second baseman Ray Durham and third baseman Pedro Feliz, while signing a three-year contract with catcher Bengie Molina, and getting Zito, Dave Roberts and Rich Aurilia via free agency. However, they lost outfielder Moises Alou to the Mets and standout starting pitcher Jason Schmidt to the Dodgers.

"I am looking forward to the opportunity to manage one of the greatest players to have ever played the game," said Giants manager Bruce Bochy. "As we enter the 2007 season, we are confident that Barry will be a major contributor to our success on the field."

There has been plenty to write about concerning Bonds, not just from his performance on the field, but the reports for what he's done off it. He reportedly failed a test for amphetamines last year. He is already under investigation for possible perjury charges for lying under oath about steroid use relating from the BALCO scandal. He reportedly told a federal grand jury that he never knowingly used steroids.

If a player tests positive a first time for steroids, he receives a 50-game suspension. However, a first failed test for amphetamines is not made public and results in only a referral for treatment and counseling, with an additional six drug tests over a six-month period.

A second positive test for amphetamines, though, incurs a 25-game suspension and a third results in an 80-game penalty.