The problem is, when he calls it quits might not be entirely his decision.

The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are always among the team’s first mentioned when it comes to signing high-priced free agents. They have the deep pockets to accommodate Bonds’ salary but does Bonds’ baggage outweigh his production?

George Steinbrenner will do almost anything to win. He is also someone who takes the mystique of the Yankee pinstripes very seriously. After watching Jason Giambi and Garry Sheffield get caught up in the BALCO scandal would he want to subject his franchise to more damning evidence surfacing against Bonds?

It’s a real possibility. Baseball’s investigation into past steroid use by Bonds and others is ongoing. Results of the investigation could lead to suspensions. Charges could be filed if it is proved that Bonds perjured himself about his past steroid use. Then there’s the question of whether he owes the IRS back taxes from memorabilia sales.

Combine all that and even the Bronx seems an unrealistic destination.

The Red Sox don’t need Bonds. They have David Ortiz. The Baltimore Orioles have deep pockets but it’s hard to imagine them being interested after what they went through with Rafael Palmeiro’s denial before Congress and subsequent positive test.

Who’s left? The way things have gone for the Angels this season, they may be looking to get younger, not older. Jim Thome is experiencing a resurgence with the White Sox. Jim Leyland has always been supportive of Bonds dating back to their time together with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but is Bonds a realistic option for the Tigers?

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Maybe Bonds will catch fire, start homering with more frequency and make all these questions moot. Maybe once the pressure of chasing Ruth dissipates he’ll more resemble the Barry Bonds of old rather than an old Barry Bonds.

As of right now, however, the end seems nearer for Bonds every time he sends one out of the park.

A mob awaited Aaron at home plate that climatic night in Atlanta. During the ensuing ceremony he stepped to the microphone and spoke from the heart.

“That’s God it’s over,” he said.

There’s no little doubt that Bonds felt the same way. In this case, however, “it’s over” may not only signal the end of his historic pursuit of Ruth but the beginning of the end of an immensely successful and equally controversial career.

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