give that man an extention

[smazza]

Bonds, Giants talking contract

Giants notebook

SAN FRANCISCO -- Just days after hitting his 700th career home run, Barry Bonds may obtain another important number.

This one is $18 million.

The Giants are beginning the process of locking Bonds up through at least the 2006 season, though there was little doubt he'd be with the team after next season. The final year of Bonds' complicated five-year, $90 million contract would have kicked in if he reaches 500 plate appearances next season or 1,500 from 2003-05.

The team had the option to void the contract if he failed to reach either, but that simply won't happen.

But Bonds made it clear in spring training he wants the team to pick up the final year before next season. That could happen shortly after this season, or even sooner.

Giants executive vice president Larry Baer sat with Bonds at his locker and had a lengthy talk before the game. Baer did not deny that the contract was brought up.

"We talked about a lot of stuff," Baer said. "That's why this relationship has lasted 12 years. We're not always in 100 percent agreement, but the relationship has been good, and we've worked through the problems."

Baer said he felt "stronger than ever that he (Bonds) will end his career with the Giants.

"Stay tuned."

Baer would not divulge whether the team will pick up the final year before the season ends.

"I think everything will be fine," Baer said.

Bonds also has floated the notion that he could play through the 2007 season, but the Giants want to deal with the '06 matter before they commit another year to their franchise player.

Bonds had other things on his mind before the game. He declined to be interviewed, talking with his two personal trainers. He was out of the starting lineup for the first time since Aug. 18, the first game of a doubleheader against the Montreal Expos. Bonds did pinch hit that day, as he did Sunday, drawing an intentional walk.

Bonds had started 27 straight games, though the Giants have had five off days since then, and have another today.

"It's just his legs," manager Felipe Alou said. "They're tired and heavy. You could see it yesterday, too. His last few at-bats he was very much wasted. I talked him into playing earlier and he said he'd see how he felt."

Bonds went into Alou's office and met with him briefly before Alou told reporters Bonds would not be playing.

Alou opted to start Ricky Ledee rather than a youngster such as Todd Linden.

"It's time for veteran people," Alou said. "You've got to put the fate of the team in the more experienced people. We already have two kids (Noah Lowry, Brad Hennessey) in the starting rotation."

Short hops

Second baseman Ray Durham left the game in the sixth inning after fouling a ball off his right shin. The injury is not believed to be serious, trainer Stan Conte, said, and Durham should return Tuesday after today's off-day. ... Rather than have Jerome Williams throw a simulated game Sunday, the Giants have decided to send him to Scottsdale, Ariz., to pitch in an Instructional League game. The Giants want Williams to pitch in an actual game with an umpire to prepare him for a possible start Saturday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hennessey, who threw seven shutout innings Thursday against the Milwaukee Brewers, is another option. Williams has not pitched since he left a July 30 game with a right triceps strain

[smazza]

if he makes 25 million a year he is under paid

[Velcro]

If they didn't give him an extension... it would be franchise suicide... regardless of steroids... or his likeability...  the money he brings in and the fact that team has NOTHING else makes it a no brainer.

[smazza]

the giants will be fine when bonds retires

look up and down the list of superstars to play the game

superstars love playing for the orange and black

bonds,mays and ott -what a legacy

[Velcro]

giants will be fine when Barry retires... i'm not questioning that...

but if they didn't sign him and let him go elsewhere?

do you think Giant faithful would like to see that?

[smazza]

no

[Velcro]

exactly ;D