Hank Aaron foresees Giants-Red Sox World Series HANK AARON

Hank Aaron sees hitters regaining superiority over pitchers this season, one that he suspects might end with a World Series between the Red Sox and Giants.

During a telephone interview, the Hall of Famer said he thinks the upcoming trials of Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens won't overshadow the season. Aaron also predicts his Braves will have a successful first season under new manager Fredi Gonzalez.

While much of the early spring training buzz has been about the Phillies, who added Cliff Lee to a rotation that already had Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels, Aaron said Philadelphia shouldn't count on winning the pennant.

"I know Philadelphia got Cliff Lee and all those other top pitchers over there," he said this week from Atlanta. "But hey, those kids did a heck of a job last year for San Francisco. I think they're going to have a good account of themselves."

As for the American League, Aaron thinks the additions of Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford give Boston a chance to set up the first Red Sox-Giants World Series since 1912.

Aaron, 77, was speaking on behalf of a Topps' 60th anniversary promotion. The Braves' senior vice president said the major leagues have become harder to predict.

"At the beginning of the season last year, if anybody had told you that San Francisco would be in the World Series, you would say they were crazy," he said.

Still, he doesn't buy into all the hype over the Phillies.

"Everybody seems to think that they're going to walk away with the championship, but I don't think that's going to happen," he said.

Aaron, second on the career home run list with 755, does think offense will rebound this season. Last year's average of 1.90 homers per game was the lowest since 1993's 1.78. Runs, hits, batting average and ERA dropped to their lowest levels since 1992.

"Baseball has a way of evening out," he said. "Last year it was a pitchers' year. I think this year it's going to be a hitters' year - at least I hope so."

And he thinks the steroids furor in baseball has passed.

"I think people have completely forgotten about it, really, to be honest with you," he said.

In about two weeks, he'll head to Florida for spring training, the Braves' first under Gonzalez.

"You're looking forward to having him be as successful as Bobby (Cox) was," Aaron said. "To be very truthful with you, things are going to be a little different, but then you have to realize Gonzalez is going to bring his own things to the ballclub."