Barry Bonds is talking about retirement. It’s just hard to tell what his plans are.

The San Francisco Giants star gave differing accounts this weekend, first saying this year would be his last – no matter whether he breaks Hank Aaron’s home run record.

Then Sunday night, he said he would play in 2007 if his surgically repaired knee is OK.

In a story posted on USA Today’s Web site Sunday afternoon, Bonds said the game isn’t fun anymore and he is tired of answering persistent questions about steroids.

“I’m tired of all of the crap going on,” he was quoted. “I want to play this year out, hopefully win, and once the season is over, go home and be with my family. Maybe then everybody can just forget about me.”

A few hours later, MLB.com reported Bonds, who needs 48 homers to surpass Aaron’s total of 755, said his health will determine how long he plays.

“If my knee holds up, I’ll keep on going,” he said. “I’m playing psychological games with myself right now. I don’t want to set myself up for disappointment if things don’t work out this season. So I go back and forth. Back and forth every day. These are the things that are going through my mind. This is what I’m struggling with.”

Bonds can be moody and sometimes changes his mind. In May 2004, he told reporters in New York that, “Half the stuff I say, I don’t believe.”

The All-Star left fielder will enter the season with 708 homers, trailing only Babe Ruth (714) and Aaron.

“Breaking these records aren’t a big thing to me,” Bonds told USA Today. “It’s a great honor to pass Ruth, but it means more to baseball than it does to me. History is good for every sport, and I’m creating great interest for the game.”

Bonds told MLB.com that his conversation with USA Today was just indicative of his state of mind at that particular moment.

Bonds turns 42 on July 24. He said he plans to report Tuesday to spring training in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Bonds has an $18 million salary in the final season of his $90 million, five-year contract and will be eligible for free agency after the World Series.

In Tucson, Ariz., Jim Thome showed up early at spring training with the Chicago White Sox looking to get that elusive World Series ring.

“Being hurt last year and having those injuries, I think it has kind of put it all in perspective for me as to how much I really appreciate the game,” Thome said.

Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen said he didn’t object to Yankees owner George Steinbrenner telling him to “shut it up” after the manager criticized Yankees star Alex Rodriguez for waffling on his choice of teams in the World Baseball Classic.

At Fort Myers, Fla., Red Sox slugger David Ortiz arrived in camp three days early saying he hoped to finish his career in Boston.

In Bradenton, Fla., Jason Bay, the 2004 NL Rookie of the Year, reported to the Pirates’ camp early. Bay batted .306 last season with 32 homers, 44 doubles, 21 stolen bases in 22 attempts, 110 runs and 101 RBIs.

At Phoenix, outfielder Milton Bradley reported to the Oakland Athletics’ spring training camp three days early.

“It will be helpful for the (pitching) staff to get to know him,” A’s manager Ken Macha said. “Once the full squad gets here, things get a little hectic.”