The media circus that left San Francisco seven years ago is poised to make a return in 2014.
ESPN is reporting that controversial all-time home-run king Barry Bonds will serve as a spring training instructor for the San Francisco Giants.
Allegations of performance-enhancing drugs, a perjury trial and a felony conviction for obstruction of justice have plagued Bonds' post-playing career - even though he never officially retired - the San Jose Mercury News reported.
The organization understands Bonds might initially draw some media attention but doesn't think he'll be a distraction.
"He's part of what we'll do here," manager Bruce Bochy said. "He's going to be part of the group of instructors, like (Will) Clark, (J.T.) Snow or (Jeff) Kent. He's going to be like the other guys and help where he can.
"I don't have any concerns."
Bonds first approached the Giants about working for the team in any capacity during an appearance at AT&T Park in 2012, according to the Mercury News. Giants CEO and President Larry Baer said conversation has been ongoing before finally signing off this season.
"Collectively within the organization, we felt that given Barry's desire to continue to contribute to the Giants, we should be open-minded about giving him the same invite that we have given to other players in the past," Baer said Saturday.
As for Bonds' resume, he is short on coaching experience but long on hitting experience. Along with his 762 career home runs (and a record 73 home runs in 2001), he also has a .444 career on-base percentage and a .607 slugging percentage.
He also stole 514 bases.
According to ESPN, Bonds' final contract with the Giants included a 10-year services deal following his retirement, which included spring training visits.
"I know he's had some things on his plate," Bochy said, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. "Now it looks like he's got some time on his hands. He has a passion for hitting and a strong intention to get back in the game and help out hitters.
"To have his knowledge, and have a guy who's one of the great hitters of all time talking to hitters, it's going to be beneficial to everyone. Barry had talent, sure. But he was a very smart hitter. To hear what he has to say about hitting gives us another set of eyes and a brain to help out."
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