SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Barry Bonds is only 1/25th of the Giants roster -- if, perhaps, a larger-than-life piece of the puzzle -- but in a sense he makes the club whole.

While there was a presidential-visit feeling surrounding the arrival of the slugger on Tuesday at Scottsdale Stadium, with reporters and TV cameramen on alert, the other players merely went about their business of Spring Training.

There were workouts to be done, stretching. Pitchers took fielding practice; there were bats to swing. And incoming position players had to check out uniforms, get their per diem checks and stow their gear.

Still, it is a comforting feeling for them all with Bonds officially aboard, even if his right knee is only 20 days out from arthroscopic surgery, even if his spring will be a long rehab.

The cool thing is that he's one of them, a Giant.

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Pitcher Matt Herges acknowledged that this is a team of experience -- that each player's credentials are time-tested -- but that Bonds broke the Major League mold long ago. Bonds is a unique specimen.

"He means everything to us, as far as I'm concerned," said Herges. "He's the identity of the Giants. The fact that he's on the second-to-last year of his contract means exactly what [general manager] Brian Sabean went out and did -- get the best team we possibly can and win this thing.

"You've got to capitalize on Barry. He's only here two more years. As far as I'm concerned, he's worth everything to this team. He's our letterhead, he's who we set the table for. He's huge. He's Barry Bonds, one of the best players who have ever played this game."

Pitcher Kirk Rueter agreed.

"We definitely need him," said Rueter. "I'm just fortunate and happy that I've been able to play with him for the last nine years."

"He changes the game," said Rueter, nicknamed Woody. "He makes the other teams think how they pitch to the other guys. He's a big factor."

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Veteran reliever Jim Brower says it's fun to watch Bonds in action and is glad he doesn't have to face the fearsome hitter.

"It's humbling," he said. "As a pitcher, maybe I can't appreciate him as much because he's a hitter. I admire Jason Schmidt on the mound -- he makes it look easy but I know how hard it is. But they're both dominating."

Whatever happens in Bonds' life seems to make news, but Brower said his only concern is life between the lines.

"It's not realistic to think you'll have Barry or somebody over for dinner tonight," he said. "There are 25 guys and they won't all jell. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and cultures and all have their different thoughts. That's what makes a team."

Manager Felipe Alou realizes this spring could be a workout washout for Bonds, who must get his right knee healthy after complications that caused doctors to re-suture the injury. But he also knows the regular season is what ultimately counts.

"He has to rehab and get ready to play," said Alou. "I know Barry and the rest of them feel good about the level of experience and the quality of this team. I imagine a guy like Barry will feel a lot better feeling surrounded by even better players."

Yes, there will be continued controversy, reporters pestering Bonds all year, although most will be filtered through a public relations person first.

No biggie for Bonds and Company.

"There's a lot of maturity," said Alou. "This team is prepared for anything, starting with No. 25. All of us are prepared to play baseball -- that's why we're here."