Barry Bonds, who passed Hank Aaron for Major League Baseball's career home-run record last month, said on his Web site that this will be his last season with the San Francisco Giants.

Bonds, who has 762 homers in his 22-year career, said that Giants owner Peter Magowan told him yesterday personally that the team wouldn't bring him back in 2008, which would have been his 16th season with San Francisco

Bonds, a record seven-time National League Most Valuable Player, is hitting .279 with 28 homers and 66 runs batted in 125 games this year which should make him an attractive on the field player for many an American League team who will get the chance to have the ultimate DH.

In February, he'd signed a contract for this season worth $16 million with the Giants and will expect to receive something similar next year. The only question will be who can afford that for a DH? The Yankees maybe.

Bonds has won two batting titles, eight NL Gold Glove Awards for his defense and was an All-Star for the 14th time in his career this season so he still can play the field in a pinch, but to get the most out of him, it's time to look at him as mainly a DH and fill in outfielder.

Following is the text of Barry's statement from his web site saying that the San Francisco Giants will not bring him back for the 2008 season:

"Dear Fans,

"This journal will be one of my last entries as a San Francisco Giant. Yesterday, I was told by the Giants that they will not be bringing me back for the 2008 season. During the conversation with Peter McGowan I was told that my play this year far exceeded any expectations the Giants had, but that the organization decided this year would be my last season in San Francisco. Although I am disappointed, I've always said baseball is a business - and I respect their decision. However, I am saddened and upset that I was not given an earlier opportunity to properly say goodbye to you, my fans, and celebrate with the city throughout the season as I truly believe this was not a last minute decision by the Giants, but one that was made some time ago. I don't have nor do I want any ill feelings towards the organization, I just wish I had known sooner so we had more time to say our goodbyes and celebrate the best 15 years of my life.

"I consider the City of San Francisco and you, the fans, my family. Thank you for loving me and supporting me throughout all the highs and lows. I feel a deep connection with you as I have grown up with all of you since the days my dad first became a Giant. The Bay Area has loved my family and friends for so many years and I thank you for that. It is now a time for change, as many athletes have experienced. It is comforting to know that those who have come before me - Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Joe Montana and Jerry Rice, to name a few - have forever remained in the hearts of the fans, as I know I will too.

"During my career as a Giant, so many people made significant impressions on my life. I'd like to thank all my past and current teammates. I've had the opportunity to play with some amazingly talented ballplayers who have treated me with respect, supported me and rooted for me throughout the years. Mike Murphy, our devoted Equipment Manager, used to baby-sit me as a little boy at Candlestick Park. There are no words to describe the love and respect I have for him. Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper are the two best broadcasters in the business. Their professionalism, integrity and love for the game, puts them in a league of their own. I thank them for their support and I'm honored to call them friends. It is also important to thank all the men and women behind the scenes at the stadium who come to work every day and make it possible for us all to enjoy a day at the ballpark. I love walking to clubhouse hearing their "hellos" every day.

"I would have loved nothing more than to retire as a Giant in the place where I call home and have shared so many momentous moments with all of you, but there is more baseball in me and I plan on continuing my career. My quest for a World Series ring continues.

"Until next time,