Barry Bonds has to be waking up this morning feeling pretty good about himself.

For once, he’s not the bad guy.

After months and months of persecution and media scrutiny, the attention has shifted in the direction of Roger Clemens, who will testify in front of Congress this morning.

While both veterans quietly left the sport in 2007, it was Clemens who made headlines last December when his name appeared in the Mitchell Report, a 20-month investigation into the use of anabolic steroids and human growth hormone.

Clemens has denied using steroids and HGH during the 1998-2001 seasons, similar to Bonds denial that he never used illegal substances.

In fact, Bonds and Clemens are very similar when it comes to their baseball legacy.

Both men are hospitable on and off the field, though you usually only hear about Bonds’ surliness.

Both men have left their mark on the sport, arguably the greatest players at their positions in the past 50 years.

Both men have been able to play baseball late into their careers with the uncanny ability to somehow getting better with age.

But the difference between the two is every person needs a good wingman who won’t snitch, and Clemens lacked that.

While Greg Anderson, Bonds trainer, went to jail in order to protect his friend and client, Brian McNamee spilled his guts to George Mitchell in order to protect himself.

The 43-year-old Bonds, who has flirted with the idea of returning for the 2008 season, should take this opportunity to retire from the game with what little dignity he has left.

And enjoy not being the bad guy for once.