Bonds also finished second last season, to teammate Jeff Kent. Bonds has said one more MVP award isn't crucial. I've got three. He's probably right, but Bonds never can seem to escape his lightning rod qualities. Because he clearly is in that class, would be the answer.
Thoroughbreds like to run, and they like to run alone, ahead of the pack.
And he is a thoroughbred. We depend on Barry to do what he's capable of doing. He doesn't have to carry this team. But we need him. Regardless of the reasons, Bonds carries plenty.