Attention, media frenzy enveloping usually stoic Bonds

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The barbed-wire facade Barry Bonds erects to keep the world at bay isn't strictly for public consumption. He brings it into the San Francisco Giants clubhouse most days, and his teammates are sufficiently in touch with his moods to step aside and give him space.

Space to focus. Space to breathe. Space to be Barry.

The look is a manifestation of the intensity that allows Bonds to block out all distractions and put up history-making numbers. And the intensity behind the look is every bit as integral to his performance as genetics, weight training, hand-eye coordination or -- if you believe Jose Canseco -- steroids.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Email
• Subscribe