Giants tell Bonds he won't be back
SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Giants saw no reason to let their decision about whether to bring back Barry Bonds in 2008 drag on all offseason.
After all the home run records, memorable moments and controversy over steroids that marked Bonds' 15-year tenure in San Francisco, it was finally time to say bye-bye Barry.
Giants owner Peter Magowan informed Bonds of the decision during a 90-minute meeting Thursday night, telling him the team was ready to go in a new direction after three straight losing seasons.
"It's always difficult to say goodbye," Magowan said Friday. "It's an emotional time for me. We've been through a lot together these 15 years. A lot of good things have happened. Unfortunately a lot of bad things have happened. But there comes a time when you have to go in a different direction."
On his Web site, Bonds said he was saddened, but respected, the decision. He also said he wasn't ready to retire and would like to bring his all-time home run record to another city.
"There is more baseball in me and I plan on continuing my career. My quest for a World Series ring continues," he said.
The 43-year-old Bonds did not join Magowan and general manager Brian Sabean at the news conference. Asked after if he had anything to add, Bonds said, "I already made my statement."
Bonds had always said he wanted to finish his career in the comfort of his hometown, where his father, Bobby, played alongside his godfather, Willie Mays, and the fans have cheered him even after he became the lightning rod for the steroids debate in baseball.
