Posted on: Thursday, December 20, 2001

Bonds to remain with Giants, will accept arbitration

By Greg Beacham
Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO — In the end, Barry Bonds found his best deal in the Bay.

Eager to sign a multi-year contract but unable to draw a bunch of megabucks offers, the new home-run king put aside his free agent pursuit yesterday and decided to remain with the San Francisco Giants.

Bonds accepted the Giants' offer of salary arbitration several hours before a midnight EST deadline. Now considered a signed player, he could wind up with a one-year contract worth at least $20 million.

"I'm glad he accepted it will be back with us," Giants assistant general manager Ned Colletti said. "He said all along that he wanted to finish his career here and play here."

After hitting 73 home runs, breaking Babe Ruth's single-season marks for slugging percentage and walks, and winning his record fourth MVP award, Bonds hoped to cash in.

But the 37-year-old outfielder was not showered with many lucrative offers. Instead, the only public bid came earlier this month from the Giants, a proposal for $72 million over four years.

"Quite frankly, it will come down to our ability to pay," Giants general manager Brian Sabean said at the time. "We can only go so far."

Bonds still would prefer to sign a multi-year deal, said his agent, Scott Boras.

"Barry will continue to work toward that," Boras said last night.