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Barry Bonds

Asterisk or no asterisk, Barry Bonds has some of the most astronomical numbers in baseball history. The Giants slugger has gotten better with age -- averaging 44 home runs and 92 RBI a season since 2000 -- but it hasn't exactly been a trip down glory lane.

Bonds faces more scrutiny than ever after the release of the book "Game of Shadows," even as the seven-time NL MVP resumes a history chase.

With 708 home runs, the 41-year-old slugger is seven shy of passing Babe Ruth and 48 from breaking Hank Aaron's mark of 755. As long as Bonds stays healthy (a reasonable if), pitchers (and record books) beware.

Babe Ruth (714 home runs)

The Babe was an American hero. After winning 89 games as a Red Sox pitcher, Ruth was sold to the Yanks in 1920 and became a full-time outfielder. He led N.Y. to seven AL pennants and four World Series titles. Cooperstown opened its doors in 1936.

Hank Aaron (755 home runs)

Hank Aaron swung a legendary stick. In addition to his 755 round-trippers, "The Hammer" also holds the major-league record for total bases (6,856), extra-base hits (1,477) and RBI (2,297). He entered the Hall of Fame in 1982.