By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The scouting reports can't even agree on the best strategy.

Paul Wilson has pitched for three major-league teams, and each offered a different opinion on how to pitch to Barry Bonds.

"He's that good of a hitter," the Reds' starter said. "The game hasn't seen anything like him."

Even as he nears 40 years old, and as the federal steroid investigation continues, Bonds remains the best player in the game today.

The Giants and Reds begin a three-game series today at Great American Ball Park.

"A lot of people say if you make a mistake in the big leagues, it gets crushed," said Reds pitcher Cory Lidle, who will start today's game. "Well, he's the epitome of that."

Entering Thursday's game against the Mets, Bonds led the major leagues with a .463 batting average, 44 walks, a 1.111 slugging percentage and a .704 on-base percentage.

His 10 home runs tied him with Reds left fielder Adam Dunn and Anaheim's Troy Glaus for most in the majors.

"It's hard enough to hit home runs every day when you're 24 (years old)," Dunn said. "It just shows what kind of athlete he is. It just shows how in shape he is and how dedicated he is."

Among the achievements for this six-time National League MVP are the single-season records for home runs (73 in 2001), slugging percentage (.863 in 2001) and on-base percentage (.582 in 2002).

Earlier this season, Bonds moved past his godfather, Willie Mays, for third place on the all-time home run list.

"What's special about him is he hits with power and is patient," Reds hitting coach Chris Chambliss said. "Those are two special things that don't always go together.

"He's quick as lightning, so he can wait on the ball longer. Therefore you're less likely to fool him."

That combination of power and patience leads to a staggering number of walks.

Holder of the single-season walk record (198 in 2002), Bonds has 44 walks in 25 games through Wednesday, nine more than Dunn, who ranked second.

At that rate Bonds will walk 285 times by the end of the season.

"There's a difference," Dunn said. "I'm walking because that's what I do. He's walking because they're not pitching to him."

Bonds' 22 intentional walks were 15 more than the next-closest player.

So how does a pitcher in general approach a Bonds at-bat? Good luck getting an answer.

"I'm just going to keep my same approach," Lidle said, "and that's just kind of a secret."

E-mail kkelly@enquirer.com