One month of the MLB season is in the books and the Home Run King is still filing for unemployment. We are all aware of the P.R. baggage that comes with Mr. Bonds, but is it worth the risk?
Several "contenders" in both leagues are currently dealing with major injuries and prolonged offensive slumps. Without the veteran production of Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada (both currently on the DL), and the imminent decline of Damon, Jeter and Giambi, the relentless Bronx Bombers of the past are mere shadows of their former selves.
The Yankees's lack of hitting is further compounded by Hughes's trip to the 15 day DL, Ian Kennedy's ineffective outings and the struggles of the bullpen (excluding Joba and Mo of course).
Wang, Pettitte and the more recent Mussina have kept the Bombers in games. But, it is unlikely that all three men are capable of completely shutting the opponent down on a regular basis.Wang is a big time ace, but Pettitte and Mussina are not Brandon Webb and Jake Peavy.
Number 25 may not be available in pinstripes, but wouldn't Barry fit nicely in the clean up spot between Abreu and Giambi/Matsui until the return of "Alexander the Great".
Not only does the short right-field porch of Yankee Stadium (and Fenway Park) play into Bond's strength, but AL arms would also be forced to pitch to him. Bonds (.444 career OBP, .607 SLG) would be sandwiched between arguably the two most disciplined hitters in baseball (Bobby Abreu .407, .499 and Jason Giambi .410, .535). This is only until the reigning AL MVP (.388 OBP and .577 SLG) returns.
Other contenders: the Red Sox and Tigers also have injuries and question marks. Which returns us to the initial question of risk? My answer is YES. The Yankees and Detroit have admitted steroid users on their roster. Most importantly, they are both in need of a player that can put them over the edge. Barry Lamar Bonds is the ANSWER…
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5 months ago
dont think the question is whether or not bonds can still hit, but rather is he worth what he wants. now im sure almost EVERY teams has past steroid users, whether admitted or not, because it seems most of the best players from the past decades used some form of performance enhancing drug. If he will accept a reduced salary he would be more attractive to teams. not to mention hes never been the best morale booster for the dugout either. now im a huge bonds fan(and may be the only one) but i think its less about the steroids debacle than salary and the fact hes just not a good teammate.
5 months ago
The Yankees say they have become money conscious, but these are the same people who payed Roger Clemens 28 million dollars for nothing. If they want to win a ring in their final season in the old stadium then the team (who already has numerous egos) needs to just make it work.
5 months ago
Of course the Yankees should sign Bonds. He's the greatest hitter of the past few decades - and he's rarely had any support around him. Talk to any pitcher, and they will tell you that nobody - not ARod, not Griffey, not Ortiz - ever came close to what Bonds was a few years back. Sure, he's not the same as in 2001-04, but put him at DH and put quality hitters around him in the batting order and, odds on, at 44 years old he'll lead the majors in offensive production (OBP + SLG). Furthermore, Bonds is not a bad teammate - he is dead serous about wanting to win, and most of the Giants in recent years (save Jeff Kent, who isn't exactly loved) have not registered complaints about him. Come on Yankees, imagine the thrill of having Bonds at Yankee Stadium, it would be electric!
5 months ago
Very nice Gus I'm w/ you. Its so overblown about him not being a team guy. There is no reason why he should be nice to the media, specially as bad as they have treated him. (why aren't they called creeps?) anyway he said he forgave them. I admire his courage.
5 months ago
The more I think about it, the more I like it..
Chogenki
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