Barry Bonds has announced that he does not expect to return to the field for the San Francisco Giants during the 2005 season. Bonds has missed the entire year thus far due to complications relating to his injured right knee.
'I don't think you're going to see me out there this year,' Bonds told MLB.com on Monday. 'That's the reality of the situation. I'm improving. I'm happy with the progress. I'm working out hard on the exercise bike and the elliptical machine, but I'm just not there yet. The last thing I want is to get back on the field and be out again a week later.'
Bonds has had three operations on the injured knee since January 31. He indicated that a recent MRI showed fluid building up on the knee and that doctors have recommended that he not try to play again until next season.
'The doctors say it's wise for me to work out hard this winter and be ready to go next season,' Bonds said. 'I want to be out there and play the whole year. I'm just going to listen to what the doctors tell me. The doctors are telling me to let it heal, so I'm going to let it heal.'
According to assistant general manager Ned Colletti, Bonds has yet to officially notify the team of his doctor's advice. 'He has not informed the Giants of that decision,' Colletti told the Associated Press.
Bonds now has 703 career home runs which places him third all-time behind Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron.
Allegations of steroid use by Bonds have run rampant in baseball circles in recent years. Bonds had previously denied 'knowingly' using steroids although he admitted to a grand jury investigating the BALCO scandal that he used two substances called 'the clear' and 'the cream' that he later found out were steroids. Bonds' personal trainer pled guilty as part of the BALCO scandal to knowingly distributing steroids. As a result of the plea bargain, Bonds will not be called on to testify in open court.
For now, Bonds hopes to be ready in 2006. The most feared slugger in baseball will be 42 next season and it is the final year of his contract with the Giants.
'That's what my goal is right now and I expect to be ready,' he said. 'But the doctors are telling me playing this year might put that in jeopardy, that I could undo any gains I've already made. No matter how much I want to play, I'm not going to let that happen.'
