The San Francisco Giants rank 29th in Major League Baseball this season in home runs hit. They have slugged just 31 all season -- less than the Twins (34) and more than only the light-hitting Padres. Their two-time Cy Young-winning ace, Tim Lincecum, is 2-5 with an ERA over 6. As a franchise, they seem to be regressing; from 92 wins and a World Series title in 2010 to 86 victories a year ago to a 26-23 record this season, already 6.5 games behind the mighty Dodgers. If the man who has the most home runs in MLB history, who led them to a pair of 100-win seasons and four playoff appearances, who knew pitchers inside and out and who just happens to be perhaps the most polarizing figure of the steroid era can help ... should the Giants listen?

Barry Bonds has apparently met with higher-ups with the Giants about working with the team. He has a "personal services contract" with the club and would be eligible to help as long as he has no more legal entanglements.

From an AP story:

Bonds said if struggling two-time NL Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum sought his advice, he'd provide it.

"If Lincecum wants the answers, I'll give them to him," Bonds said.

Manager Bruce Bochy said he would welcome Bonds' input if he takes a job with the club.

"We have a great hitter here who has really accomplished so much," Bochy said.

Is that really a good idea? Bonds is quick to point out he was "never convicted of steroids," but the court of public opinion has made its own judgment on that case. Regardless of their struggles and what Bonds might have to offer, would it really be the right thing for the Giants to re-associate themselves with Barry -- and has he earned that right?

Your thoughts, please, in the comments.