Barry Bonds said he's retiring after this season. Then, he said he wasn't sure.

The San Francisco Giants slugger gave differing accounts this weekend, first saying this year would be his last — no matter whether he breaks Hank Aaron's home run record. On Sunday night, Bonds said he would play in 2007 if his surgically repaired knee is OK.

In a story posted on USA Today's Web site Sunday afternoon, Bonds said the game isn't fun anymore and he is sick of answering questions about steroids.

"I'm tired of all of the crap going on," he was quoted. "I want to play this year out, hopefully win, and once the season is over, go home and be with my family. Maybe then everybody can just forget about me."

A few hours later, MLB.com reported Bonds, who needs 48 homers to surpass Aaron's total of 755, said his health will determine how long he plays.

"If my knee holds up, I'll keep on going," he said. "I'm playing psychological games with myself right now. I don't want to set myself up for disappointment if things don't work out this season. So I go back and forth. Back and forth every day."

Bonds can be moody and sometimes changes his mind. In May 2004, he told reporters in New York that, "Half the stuff I say, I don't believe."

The All-Star left fielder will enter the season with 708 homers, trailing only Babe Ruth (714) and Aaron.

"Breaking these records aren't a big thing to me," Bonds told USA Today. "It's a great honor to pass Ruth, but it means more to baseball than it does to me. History is good for every sport, and I'm creating great interest for the game."

Bonds told MLB.com that his conversation with USA Today was just indicative of his state of mind at that particular moment.

Bonds turns 42 on July 24. He said he plans to report Tuesday to spring training in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The Giants said they wouldn't comment on the newspaper report until they hear from Bonds directly. His agent, Jeff Borris, wouldn't say whether Bonds has discussed retirement with him.

"I'd rather those conversations between Barry and myself remain private," Borris told The Associated Press.

Bonds has an $18 million salary in the final season of his $90 million, five-year contract and will be eligible for free agency after the World Series.

In Tucson, Ariz., another injury-plagued slugger can't wait to get going.

Jim Thome showed up early at spring training with the Chicago White Sox looking to get that elusive World Series ring.

"Being hurt last year and having those injuries, I think it has kind of put it all in perspective for me as to how much I really appreciate the game," Thome said.

A strained back and season-ending surgery on his elbow limited Thome to 59 games and seven homers last season, prompting Philadelphia to ship him to the defending World Series champions for outfielder Aaron Rowand and two prospects.

Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen expects Thome to stay healthy this season because he'll be the designated hitter rather than an everyday first baseman.

Guillen also said he didn't object to Yankees owner George Steinbrenner telling him to "shut it up" after the manager criticized Yankees star Alex Rodriguez for waffling on his choice of teams in the World Baseball Classic.

"He's right. I took the first punch. I'll take 100 punches against me," Guillen said. "He's right to take a shot. He's got to protect his players."

At Fort Myers, Fla., Red Sox slugger David Ortiz arrived in camp three days early saying he hopes to finish his career in Boston.

Ortiz, who finished second in AL MVP voting last season behind Rodriguez after hitting .300 with 47 homers and 148 RBIs, is nearing the end of his contract. The club has an option for 2007.

But Ortiz apparently isn't worried about working out his next deal.

"I'm not involved with it. I don't know what's going on. I'm just thinking about the season coming up right now," Ortiz said. "Hopefully I stay here for the rest of my career. I like it here."