CLEARWATER, Fla. - Babe Ruth might be safe at second after all.

Barry Bonds, who is 11 home runs shy of tying Ruth for second place on the all-time list, hinted Tuesday that he could miss the entire 2005 season, and maybe more, after having what had been described as routine knee surgery last week.

Once again painting himself as a victim and blaming the media for its treatment of him, Bonds told reporters that he didn't know when he would be able to play again.

"Hopefully the middle of the season," he said.

"Hopefully next season," was another estimate he gave.

The news on Bonds came just five days after the congressional hearing on steroids at which Mark McGwire declined to answer questions about using steroids and came away looking guilty in the court of public opinion.

A few weeks ago, in response to Jose Canseco's tell-all book on steroid use in baseball, McGwire denied using steroids in a statement issued by his representative. He chose not to do the same under oath last Thursday and has seen his reputation and image skewered. All of a sudden, the legitimacy of McGwire's 583 home runs and his Hall of Fame viability have been questioned.

McGwire is a private man living a secluded life in California. Only those close to him know for sure, but we'd bet that his days haven't been all sugar and spice since his trip to Washington.

Could it be that Bonds was paying attention?

The San Francisco Giants slugger has been accused of the same transgressions that McGwire has.

Could it be that Bonds saw what McGwire went through and has decided to get out before he can shoot down the immortal Babe and the glare on him and his pursuit of the beloved Hank Aaron gets even more intense?

We're not doubting that Bonds' knee is in rough shape and needs diligent rehabilitation. But could its condition be providing him with a convenient exit strategy?

Might he be feeling some heat to get out after watching how a bunch of lawmakers roughed up Big Mac? (If they did that to McGwire, long perceived as a baseball good guy, what would they do to Bonds, long perceived as a baseball bad guy?)

Or does he just need some time to think about whether it's all worth it?

You have to wonder.

Bonds has 703 career homers, 258 of which have come in the last five seasons as his body has appeared to get bigger and stronger. He trails Aaron, the all-time leader, by 52 homers.

If Bonds misses this season, will he really want to come back next season, at close to 42, and make a push for Aaron's record?

Or will third on the all-time list be a good trade-off for quietly slipping away into the sunset?

It might be easier for everyone if Bonds did just slip away. Maybe this latest setback is the first step to that happening.