It had to happen sooner or later. Barry bonds finally hit home run 715 of his career at San Francisco. It was a nice treat for the home fans as the Giants were playing their last game of the home stand. Barry Bonds now sits all alone in second place for career homeruns. After the game, Bonds and fellow players toasted with champagne. Now that this personal milestone was reached, the only other question that remains is whether or not Barry Bonds will keep playing to break the record.

The answer to that question remains a toss-up. Barry’s body is breaking down and he can no longer play every day. He spent a lot of energy trying to hit 714 and 715, so it’s plausible that Bonds will play a little less now to recuperate. Lost in all the hoopla of a couple of homeruns is the fact that Bonds has struggled to hit the seven that he has this year. It’s very realistic that Bonds will only go yard a dozen or so more times in 2006, which would put him around 20 for the year—sub-par as outfielders go.

We also have to throw in the mix the fact that he is hitting .254 and his OBP is highly inflated, because many pitchers are still scared to pitch to him. However, that is fading as pitchers are realizing that he’s not the Bonds of yesteryear. So, Bonds is slowing up—as most players do when they get old. He’s a free agent this year and perhaps the best move he can make is to the AL. Some team will scoop him up for brand name appeal and allow him to spend another couple of years walking to the plate to try and get closer to the illustrious homerun title. This may be the last year Bonds plays in San Francisco, the National League or perhaps ever.