Collusion Against Barry Bonds? Maybe, But Its Not By Who You Think

I couldn't help but sit back and laugh at the idea that the Major League Baseball Teams are actually colluding against Barry Bonds, by not offering him any type of contract since he became a free agent. There are some good statistics that could come out of Bonds if he made the switch to designated hitter, since, lets all be honest, his days of playing every day in the field are over.  Most likely with about 125 games left in the season, it is reasonable to believe that he could put up say a .285 to .300 AVG, 25 home runs, 100+ walks, and 80+ RBIs (I up his Batting AVG and RBI total considerably here, because if he gets in a line up that can put a few guys on in front of him or let him see a few more quality pitches he can still hit).  So most owners and general managers looking just at the statistics would probably believe that is a solid output for a Designated Hitter. Plus, he brings along the asterisked title of Most Career Home Runs, which would probably boost ticket sales at least a little bit and bring in more revenue for the team.  So why then wouldn't a front office exec want this guy on their team?

Well there are also the negatives that a front office executive would have to consider.  He is an aging 44 year old, can he still continue to produce at his current rate?  Also his age brings up durability issue, as do his multiple knee surgeries in the past, how many games will he play?  We noted a move to designated hitter is a must, so that eliminates the entire national league from contention.  Finally there is the looming stigma of steroid use around him as well as an indictment for perjury hanging over his head, so how much will he and the rest of the team be distracted by the constant media barrage?  All are important things to consider when looking into a free agent signing.  However, I would think that some Front Office Execs might still be able to say that the pros outweigh the negatives and would at least offer him something and bring him on board.

So why aren't teams offering him a contract?  Its really simple, it is the current players in the league that don't want to deal with him or put up with his crap.  Most players in Major League Baseball have distanced themselves from Bonds over the past 3 to 4 years, ever since the steroid stories began to break.  Plus he is a well known locker room cancer, his Giants teammates last year practically threw a party the day that he cleared out his locker and left Pac Bell Park for good and who can blame them?  He is one of the most self centered prima donnas ever to play the game, and has shown he only cares about personal records and nothing for the team.  If I were a team leader or star player on any team in baseball, I would walk into the general managers office and tell them that if they picked up Barry Bonds, then I will be demanding a trade, and this is why he hasn't been offered a contract by any major league team.  

In other words, is there collusion against Barry Bonds getting signed this year?  Probably, but is it by Major League Baseball?  Absolutely Not.  If the MLBPA expects to find collusion they need to start investigating themselves, because I think more players are telling their front offices they don't want Barry around than there MLB Executives just trying to shun him from the game.