Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Fri Jan 4 13:07:25 2008

>>> Steroids improves your ability and recovery time in lifting weights. You still have to do the work in the gym to get the benefit. But the strengt factor gives you additional time in the batters box. And time is crucial in hitting. Without that additional time it is likely Bonds would be fouling many of those same pitches off or mishitting the ball. And remember many of his homeruns to center and left are not clearing the fence my a great distance in San Francisco. Without the strength factor those are outs! >>>

Hi THG

You made many good points on how the use of steroids can improve a batter’s hitting performance. Many, rightly so, use Bonds' use of these substances to discount his home run record. But in our final analysis of him, we should also keep in mind that Barry was a 40/40 player and his batting mechanics allowed him to achieve many batting crowns well before steroids came into the picture.

I have never been a fan of Barry Bonds as a person. I have to keep reminding myself not to allow my judgement of his personnel traits to detract from his playing achievements.

Jack Mankin