DETROIT -- Miguel Cabrera can count Barry Bonds as a big fan.
The controversial superstar praised the Detroit Tigers slugger Tuesday, lauding his natural ability and talents, and describing him as one of the elite hitters in the game.
"He's f---ing great," Bonds said before Tuesday's game between the Marlins and Tigers at Comerica Park. "That's it."
Bonds, who is now working as the Marlins' hitting coach, said the two have the "best relationship" and that he has enjoyed watching Cabrera evolve as one of the game's most electrifying stars.
What makes him special?
"He has an IQ better than most," Bonds said.
Bonds, the MLB's all-time home runs leader, said he knew that Cabrera was special even early in Cabrera's career, dating to when he was 20 years old and playing for what was then the Florida Marlins.
"Everybody knew he was going to be good," Bonds said. "I was shocked he wasn't there [in Florida] his whole career."
Asked about Cabrera's 2012 Triple Crown win, Bonds credited him with doing what so few have done in the history of the majors.
"I was close a couple times. Close in '93. [There have been] a lot of guys who have been close," Bonds said. "It's awesome. It's a hard feat to do. Being able to be that complete of a hitter. That's pretty impressive."
Bonds, who remains a polarizing figure because of his role in Major League Baseball's steroids scandal, bristled when asked to compare Cabrera to himself, but not because his ego was tweaked. He felt it was a "cheap shot" to even be asked to compare the two.
"That's not even fair. That's like putting us in a rivalry that doesn't need to be there," Bonds said. "I don't think that's right to do."
Cabrera wasn't the only Tiger who received praise from Bonds. Bonds also extolled the virtue of former skipper Jim Leyland, who managed Bonds as a rookie on the 1986 Pittsburgh Pirates team.
The two men maintain a strong relationship, Bonds said, which has been the biggest takeaway from Leyland's tutelage.
"His friendship. We've been friends forever. He was the best manager for me when I first came up. I had great ones, don't get me wrong," Bonds said. "But to have [Leyland] as your first manager, it doesn't even compare. He brought the best out of me."
