LOS ANGELES -- Scott Boras, the agent for Barry Bonds, conceded that few teams are likely to pursue the superstar slugger on the free-agent market after this season, but he warned that the San Francisco Giants shouldn't be deluded into thinking he wouldn't sign elsewhere.

	Barry Bonds has given no indication he'll give San Francisco a hometown discount.

"There are other places where Barry would play," Boras said this week. "When you have a free agent, about 12 teams call. Six usually aren't sure, and three or four have a manifest interest to proceed.

"Maybe it'll be a little different with Barry. Maybe fewer clubs will approach Barry. My guess is that only teams really serious will step into the fray. There are clubs who will pay Barry more money. They're not winning and would do anything to attract a marquee player."

Boras said there are places where Bonds would not play, specifically mentioning Montreal, where the star player met his wife and former wife. The agent also scoffed at the suggestion his reputation as a tough negotiator will drive up the price.

"My opinion is not an issue," Boras said. "It's what Barry dictates me to do. I will give him choices. I work for him. He'll tell me what he wants to do. My job is to present him with advice. He directs me to do what he wants done.

"There's no timetable. When the season is over, Barry and I will sit down and discuss the direction in which we want to go."

And when they do, it's not certain what the asking price will be or whether the Giants will get a so-called "hometown discount."

Boras and Bonds entered spring training thinking about a four-year contract in the $74 million range.

Boras was using multiyear contracts signed by Carlos Delgado and Jeff Bagwell at $17 million a year as standards, but Bonds' value has escalated with the home run record within reach. Bonds is making $10.3 million this season.

"Barry gave the club the right for a unilateral negotiation in spring training," Boras said. "They chose not to pursue that. I'm certain that Barry's approach to these negotiations will be different than in spring training."

Boras also said he's aware that the Giants are playing the age card with Bonds regarding a long-term deal because he's 37. The agent quickly pointed out that his client is not the normal 37-year-old athlete, as 116 homers in two seasons suggest.