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Gary B.Unless Sosa has a spurt of statistics in the next 4 years to rival what Bonds has done in the last 4 years, he'll never be considered a better player. If you look at his numbers, they just don't come close, although he does have some that are still very impressive. It all depends on his longevity. Sosa will be 36 this year, and most normal mortals have their numbers start to decline around that age. If he stays healthy and somewhat consistent, his home run total could be pretty darn impressive, but whether or not he'll catch Bonds by the time Bonds is done will all depend on his longevity and consistency - it's possible, but it will be difficult. There really aren't any players today who are putting up the kind of amazing numbers Barry is overall. Griffey could put up an impressive home run total by the time he's done if he stays healthy, but still catching Bonds would be a real tough go.
While others are putting up impressive home run totals, what about walks, intentional walks, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS, how few strikeouts he makes, his career stolen base totals, not to mention his 7 Gold Gloves and his 6 MVP awards (7 after this year unless he tanks in the 2nd half - unlikely) - Barry is way more than just home runs. Besides the superhuman home run total in 2001, he's never even hit 50 - he's just been consistent over his career, like Aaron was.
The only one playing I see with numbers that (if he stays consistent) could be truly legendary and comparable to Bonds are A-Rod's. His stats (some of them) are quite impressive, especially considering the guy will be only 29 later this month. Again, it all depends on his longevity, consistency and health. These late career spurts we've seen lately from Bonds, Randy Johnson and Roger Clemens (notice the others are pitchers) are definitely the exception. How many other hitters can you think of that did what Bonds is doing at his age? I mean, the guy is 39, just about to turn 40. Check out the stats for Aaron, Ruth, Mays & Williams - they were all really winding it down by the time they hit 40 (Williams being the most impressive at that age).
We really are witnessing one of the all time greats that comes along VERY rarely.