Bleacher Report - Articles by Kevin Koss

The Masters: Kenny Perry Is a Deserving Champion

Kevin Koss — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:09:09 -0400

As we look out at the those golfers still in competition heading into the final round of the Masters, it's very hard for me to over look the man tied for the lead, Kenny Perry.

Perry sits atop the leader board at 11 under par, American born and raised, leading arguably the most prestigious tournament in his chosen profession. At 48 years of age, his success did not come without challenges for the young man from Franklin, Kentucky.

He turned pro in 1982 and set out for Q-School in an attempt to get his PGA Tour Card. In his first attempt he missed the qualifying score by just one stroke and the following year his wife went into labor during the fourth round. Perry exhausted his initial sponsors, a group of 20 mostly from Franklin, in his first two attempts at Q-School and playing on the minor tours.

In 1985, in his 3rd attempt at Q-School, he finally qualified for his PGA Tour Card. Perry had found a new sponsor that year, a local Franklin businessman who had asked for a percentage of his earnings rather than a repayment on the loan. They agreed on 5% and Perry, that is paid in a scholarship to the businessman's alma mater Lipscomb University.

Since then Perry has had a successful career by all accounts for a PGA Tour Professional. He has won 13 times on tour, and is currently the all time leading money winner not to have won a major tournament. He has competed twice for the United States in the Ryder Cup, including the 2008 champions. Along with Tiger Woods, Perry is the only person to win Jack Nicklaus' tournament three times.

All he lacks now is a Major Championship.

His best finish was 1996 when he lost in a playoff to Mark Brooks at the U.S. Open. Which brings us to this afternoon, and his run to greatness. On top of the everything he is also a family man who is never in the news for the wrong reasons.

His play this week has put him in a position to become the oldest golfer ever to win a major title. He would pass Julius Boros by four months if he were to win at Augusta today. He would also pass Jack Nicklaus' record for the oldest players to win the Masters.

There is always the good underdog story of the man past his prime pulling it together one more time on the main stage.

There is also an emotional side to the story. His mother is currently battling multiple myeloma cancer. She recently returned home from a stay in the hospital.

Would anything be better for him than to bring home a Major Championship on Easter?

For those of you that think golf is boring without Tiger in the running, hopefully Kenny Perry will give you something else to cheer for this afternoon. Just maybe, if we are lucky he'll be wearing the Green Jacket later today.

Chicago Bears: Calling Halas Hall, It Is Free-Agent Season

Kevin Koss — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 19:18:35 -0500

Once again the NFL's free-agency period is in full swing and the Bears up in Halas Hall lay in hibernation and practical oblivion to the fact that it is even going on.

As a Bears fan it is becoming more and more frustrating that the McCaskey-led Bears continue to leave a massive number under the salary cap, and refuse to even participate in free agency.

Now I realize that traditionally the NFC North teams aren't the biggest spenders collectively, but at least some teams are out there making a splash.

Detroit has made the most moves, and since they no longer have Matt Millen at the helm, we can assume that they are improving their team a little.

Although the Vikings lost center Matt Birk, which is huge, and have only signed one player, they were in the bidding for T.J. Houshmandzadeh, so at least they got their name out there.

It is simply embarrassing that the Bears continue to raise ticket and parking prices, but refuse to come even within $20 million of the salary cap.

Now the team did have a Super Bowl run a few years ago, but truthfully are the Bears really trying to build a winning team or just compete in the division and hope to get lucky?

I know that the McCaskey Family (or Halas Family) has owned the Bears since its inception, but truthfully if they continue to refuse to spend money on players, then it might be better for the Bears and everyone involved if they consider a sale of the team to someone who will.

Also, they don't deserve all the blame.

Some has to be given to the general manager Jerry Angelo, who has drafted well on defense, but has completely missed the boat on the offensive side of the ball (other than Matt Forte and Greg Olsen). He then refuses to use free agency to fill the holes he is continually creating by not drafting well.

The blatantly ridiculous part of this whole situation is that right now the Bears' biggest free agent moves were actually the release of defensive leader Mike Brown and veteran receiver Marty Booker.

Chicago's only signing is fourth-year offensive lineman, Frank Omiyale, who has only played in 11 games in those four years. Not exactly a banner off-season.

Simply put, the Bears have never really made a splash in free agency and it is a shame for such a storied franchise not to try and put the best team possible on the field for its fans.

Its time for everyone up at Halas Hall in the ownership and upper management of this team to look in the mirror and decide if they should really be there.

Manny to the Cubs? Call Me Crazy, but It Could Happen

Kevin Koss — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:09:07 -0500

Jim Hendry, please listen to my plea and go out and get Manny Ramirez for my beloved Cubbies. I've even looked over our roster and know the line up that we could run with if you pulled the trigger.

If the Cubs were to sign Ramirez all of a sudden our outfield becomes Soriano in left, Bradley in Center (platooning with Johnson) and Manny out in right. Now I realize that this might be the worst defensive outfield ever assembled, but I'm willing to give up a few runs here and there when we are putting up 10 a game.

The Cubs would have, arguably, the best hitting line-up ever assembled. Lead off with Aaron Miles to Alfonso Soriano followed in the three spot by Manny Ramirez and Aramis Ramirez at cleanup. Then bat Derrek Lee hitting in the five hole followed up by Milton Bradley, Geovany Soto and Ryan Theriot rounding us out at the eight spot. That lineup is ridiculously scary.

Now I'm sure that there are plenty of arguments against bringing in Manny and I'd love to look into these. We have shelled out a lot of money over the past few seasons on Aramis, Soriano, Zambrano, Bradley and others, but every time they open the gates at Wrigley they are basically printing money. So I don't want to hear how we can't afford this guy, because the Cubs are one of the few teams that can.

Another argument would be that we don't have any room for him in the field, but I already showed how we could fit him in above, so that point is out. He can fit into our line-up without doing too many crazy things.

Next you might argue that we don't need another possible locker room cancer after bringing in Milton Bradley already this off season. Well this is a risk I am willing to take considering you are bringing in one of the best offensive player in the league and one of the best right handed hitter of all-time. Not to mention one of the best post-season hitters of all-time, which is a place where we kind of need some help.

Also as far as Manny being Manny goes, this city tends to embrace guys with big egos and side shows. Chicago tends to enjoy it actually and it raises their spirits. Chicago gets guys that to play within the team and win championships (see Rodman with Bulls and the entire 1985 Bears), because they don't want to let Chicagoans down. He could be the one that gets it done for the Cubs.

Well we refuted most of the big negatives, now let's look at some of the other positive things Manny would bring to the team. He plays huge in the post-season and he has been ot Series and won it, twice. The Cubs don't have a lot of guys on the roster that have won a post-season series, let alone a World Series ring.

All in all though, I know this isn't going to happen. It was my pipe dream, brought together over a few beers at a Wrigleyville establishment. But since this can't happen can you get out there and trade for Jake Peavy already? I heard he did a great rendition of "Go Cubs Go!" while he was out in Las Vegas this weekend.

Cubs One Up Brewers Grab Harden

Kevin Koss — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:11:46 -0400

Jim Hendry has done it again. The Cubs needed an answer to the Brewers' big trade involving C.C. Sabathia over the weekend and on Tuesday, they got it when they brought Rich Harden over from Oakland for seemingly pennies on the dollar.

Harden will come in and solidify a starting rotation that was arguably the weakest point on this NL leading Cubs team. The starting five now includes Zambrano, Dempster, Harden, Lilly, and Marquis which is extremely formidable. Plus, you now have a three man playoff rotation of Zambrano, Dempster, and Harden which is quite a scary set of ERAs.

Let's look at the trade in-depth now though. The Cubs received Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin in exchange for Sean Gallagher, Eric Patterson, Matt Murton and minor league catcher Josh Donaldson.

Who the Cubs Got:

Rich Harden: A young starter (26) with plenty of experience and potential. Also, he is having a wonderful season going 5-1 with a 2.34 ERA in his 13 starts this season.

Harden also brings post season experience to the table, having pitched with the A's in the 2003 and 2006 playoffs. The only drawback has been that he is injury prone, but hopefully he can stay healthy now.

Chad Gaudin: Another relatively young pitcher (25) that has been big out of the bullpen for the A's this year having not allowed an earned run in 15 of his 20 relief appearances this season. He is also a versatile pitcher than can start (he had 34 last year) or come out of the pen as he has shown during the rest of his career.

Look at who the Cubs Give Up:

Sean Gallagher: A young pitcher (22) that has had an alright season. In his 12 appearances (10 starts) he is 3-4 with a 4.45 ERA which isn't that bad for a number five starter. However, with the arrival of Harden, he no longer has a spot in the rotation, so he is worth giving up.

Eric Patterson: A relatively young player (25) who the Cubs have been waiting to come around now for a few years. If he follows like his brother, he'll be a career Four-A player, meaning he dominates in Triple-A but can't do squat in the majors.

Plus, with Theriot, Fontenot, DeRosa and Cedeno clogging up the middle infield and our current outfield situation with everyone healthy, he wasn't going to see consistent time in the majors any time soon.

Matt Murton: Again a relatively young player (26), who is going to get lost in the Cubs outfield log jam. In the one season he saw consistent time(2006), he played in 144 games (started 122), hit .297 with 13 home runs and 62 runs batted in.

If he is given a starting job, I don't think its that far off for him to his .300 with 25 to 30 home runs and 80 to 90 runs batted in, which would be very good production.

Josh Donaldson: A Single-A catcher that is obviously a young guy at only 22. But he is expendable because obviously we plan on having Geovany Soto for a while so Donaldson obviously doesn't fit into the plans for the Cubs obviously.

The Cubs didn't really give up any big time players nor did they have to give up anyone that was really in their future plans. In return they got one of the best young pitchers, when healthy, in the game. Hendry has pulled off his big deal magic once again, just as he did in 2003 when he brought Aramis Ramirez over from the Pirates.

It now appears that the Cubs are poised to make the big stretch run and hopefully the one that was have been waiting a hundred years for all the way to the Series. Although I think they may still make another move before the deadline, the Cubs are in great shape right now.

Red Sox-Rays: Best Rivalry in The AL East

Kevin Koss — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:35:10 -0400

For the first time since I can remember the AL East is not turning into a two man race between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, and it is a good thing for baseball fans.

First of all ESPN has something else to cover besides the Yankees-Sox series, which is a God-send. The last eight years have been full of so much Yankees-Sox build up that you wouldn't even know that there were 28 other teams in Major League Baseball.

After all, if they weren't playing each other on TV, they were playing someone else on TV. Some kids under the age of ten probably think these were warm up games just so the two could face off again later.

Secondly with the Yankees currently seven games out and struggling to stay above .500, the Sox and Rays are duking it out 2.5 games apart for the AL East. And when I say duking it out, I literally mean clearing the benches and throwing some blows.

Just look at the incidents from June 4th and 5th, in which Coco Crisp takes some hard slides on the base path one day, and then takes one off the hip the next day, just like baseball of old. Benches clear, fighting ensues, and two days later a few suspensions are handed out. That's how a rivalry is supposed to go.

Next, both teams continue to pound each other in the media. The Ray's Manager Joe Maddon, just two days after the suspensions are handed down, comes out and says he's proud of the way his guys handled the situation, and he defends everything his guys did.

Then on this past Wednesday, Red Sox Closer Jonathan Papelbon comes right back and says he doesn't think this is over and that payback is a b****.

This kind of mudslinging is what made the Yankee-Sox Rivalry over the early decade actually somewhat enjoyable, but it deteriorated in to just some ESPN build up over the last few years.

Little do most people know that this rivalry has been brewing since August 29th, 2000, when Pedro Martinez hit Gerald Williams and Williams charged the mound.

The Rays retaliated by hitting two different players (Daubach Twice, Garciaparra once), and having three pitchers, three Managers/Acting-Managers, and two outfielders (eight players in all) ejected in the game. Since then there have been a number of brush back pitches and bench clearing brawls that have occurred.

Finally, although the Red Sox currently lead the season series 6-3, neither team has lost at home, with the Rays sweeping the Sox April 25-27, and the Sox returning the favor May 2-4 and June 3-5.

With both teams looking strong and their continued build up in the media, look to their two series in September, in Boston the 8th-10th and in Tampa a week later the 15th to the 17th, to possibly decide the AL East.

Its good to see someone else near the top of the AL East other than the Yankees and Red Sox, and its even better that what was once just a bully versus a kid has turned into a budding rivalry.

Sammy Sosa: Brought Down by Steroid Era or First Ballot Hall of Famer?

Kevin Koss — Wed, 28 May 2008 10:28:38 -0400

Recently, Sammy Sosa announced his plans to retire from the game of Baseball after the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

Assuming he doesn't play another MLB game in five years, he will join the blockbuster list of first ballot Hall of Famers including Biggio, Bonds, Clemens, and Piazza.

Now we already know that two of the names on that list, Clemens and Bonds, have been tainted by the steroid era, and their connections with possible steroid use. And we have also see how Mark McGwire's testimony in front of Congress kept him from becoming a first ballot Hall of Famer.

So my question is, will Sammy Sosa be brought down by the steroid era or is he a first ballot Hall of Famer?

Obviously the career statistics are there with 609 home runs (5th all time), 1667 RBI (23rd all time), and 2,408 hits (104 all time).

Also he is one of only five players to hit over 60 home runs in a single season and the only player in history to do it three times. Sammy also is one of 37 players to have a 30-30 season and one of 11 players to have two or more 30-30 seasons in their career.

Add on to that nine All-Star appearances, six Silver Sluggers, and one MVP Award, and his statistics clearly warrant Hall of Fame status and probably first ballot, if not for his era.

So we must look at the comparisons of his alleged steroid use to those players mentioned above and others that have been implicated.

Sammy did stand before Congress, but read from prepared statements and avoided questions. But, McGwire not wanting to talk about the past and the Palmeiro pointing incident are by far the most memorable moments from that situation.

Also Sammy wasn't implicated in the BALCO investigation, nor was he indicted for perjury like Barry Bonds has been. Sosa escaped the Mitchell Report, clean as a bell—and we know how that all turned out for Mr. Clemens. And of course, he never made any over arching apology for things he had done—Jason Giambi.

Can we compare Sosa to these other greats that have since gone down in a ball of flames for their transgressions? The only person with any kind of reputation left is Giambi—the rest have been greatly damaged.

Plus the fact that he took a year off and returned to the game to appear in 114 games, hitting .252 with 21 home runs and 92 RBI—and that at the age of 38.

In conclusion with his stastistics and accomplishments, as well as his relatively clean record, Sosa can not be denied entry to the Hall.

He will obviously go down as one of the great players of his era—and with a fairly clean reputation.

So in five years when the ballots arrive, BBWA place the check next to Sammy Sosa, he deserves it.

Instant Replay In Major League Baseball

Kevin Koss — Fri, 23 May 2008 13:10:47 -0400

With all the events that occurred in the game of baseball this week, three have struck up the debate of Instant Replay in Major League Baseball.

The first of these three happened Sunday night, when Carlos Delgado's home run was ruled a foul ball. This was followed on Monday, when Geovany Soto's home run was ruled a live ball—and closed out on Wednesday, when Alex Rodriguez's home run was ruled a live ball.

Thank goodness that none of these plays actually affected the outcome of the game, as all three were won handily by the wronged team. But it does raise the question of instant replay. If we have the technology, why not use it?

This got me thinking as to the pros and cons of instant replay, and how it would affect the game.

For one thing, the baseball traditionalist is going to say that this is how the game is played, human error has been a part of it for 130+ years, be it from the players or the umpires. That is a reasonable argument—but in the case of Carlos Delgado's home run it was originally ruled a home run by the third-base umpire, who was then overruled by the home-plate umpire. Perhaps if they have a dispute, they could consult a replay official.

Another argument against instant replay is by the casual fan, and that is that baseball games are too long already. This is a legitimate gripe. Games have continued to lengthen throughout the years, and the average baseball game now lasts over three hours. The argument simply implies that we need to find an unobtrusive way of getting a quick replay decision that doesn't slow the game down.

An argument for instant replay includes the possibility that one of these plays is involved in deciding the game—or better yet, a playoff game? I think in that case, both sides would want the call to be correct. Not just for the team that benefits, but also so that the other team would not be questioned on into history.

People also seem to be arguing that if we have the technology to get the calls right, why doesn't baseball come into the 21st century and get it done? Although ideal, this isn't the most practical route as we would need to review almost every pitch to ensure perfection, and this would lengthen the game into an all-day cricket-type affair.

Also baseball's umpires are one of the most strong-headed groups of officials in the sports world. This may be because after the decades of arguing with managers and players, they feel if they are questioned they must stick to their guns. Therefore, they would probably be against instant replay, as it allows them to be questioned—and if they turn out to be wrong, it might make them look bad or give a manager some artillery for their next run in.

After considering all this ,I believe that baseball should implement instant replay on a limited basis. We can't review every pitch, as it would take forever and basically make the umpire simply a guy in the playing field without much to do.

I tend to agree with the traditionalists that human error, including by the umpires, is part of the game to a point. Sometimes they will make the wrong call on a close play on the base path—but that's okay, that's how the game is played. But in deciding if a ball did indeed clear the fences, I think that replay should be allowed.

So in order to hopefully please everyone a little and not take too much from the game, I propose that instant replay be implemented, for now, only in the reviewing of home runs. Was it fair, was it foul, did it go over the fence or didn't it? All other things being left to the call on the field.

Chicago Cubs: Carlos Zambrano's Hitting Is Not Worth the Risk

Kevin Koss — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:23:57 -0400

Why is Carlos Zambrano in the batter's box on days when he does not take the mound?

I understand that the Cubs are hot right now, 7-1 on the current homestand, and they are winning games and winning them big. I also know that Carlos loves to get in there and take his hacks, and Lou is probably just trying to help keep him happy. But doesn't it strike anyone as dangerous that he is going into the batter's box on days when he doesn't pitch?

After all, Carlos is one of the top 10, if not top five, pitchers in the league right now. He is far and away the ace of this Cubs' staff. Also with the big money extension that they just sunk into him, he appears to be the ace of this staff for years to come.

So I'll ask it again. Why is he in the batter's box in the sixth inning of a game when you are up 7-1 and you have plenty of position players sitting on the bench?

There is no reason to put him out there. He is too valuable to this club to be put in a position where an errant pitch comes inside and hits his arm. Perhaps he fouls a ball of his foot, or maybe pulls a hamstring running down to first.

I concede that Carlos probably wants to be in there, because we all know that he loves to participate in the offensive side of the game. But Lou has to be able to stand up to him and let Carlos know that just can't happen.

Thank the baseball gods that nothing happened to him today, but if they keep doing this in the future, the odds will greatly increase that something will. So I am begging Lou and Carlos please keep him out of the box unless he is pitching that day. I'd hate for something to happen and give us Cubs fan another reason to believe that the curse on our beloved team is real.

Cubs-Diamondbacks: Chicago Sweeps Arizona, Ends Slide

Kevin Koss — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:47:59 -0400

Behind excellent pitching from both the starters and the bullpen, along with some very timely hitting, the Cubs swept the Arizona Diamondbacks this weekend at Wrigley Field. It was a very important series for the Cubs, who two weeks ago were only two games behind the D-Backs for the best record in baseball—before going 4-9 over their next 13 games.

The sweep gives the Cubs a little revenge for the Diamondbacks sweeping them from the first round of the playoffs last season.

The Cubs' bats came alive on their return to the Friendly Confines, as they put up 16 runs in three games against what is arguably one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. Even though they didn't face Brandon Webb or Micah Owings, it was good to see the Cubs' lineup getting it done on the offensive side.

The most important bat to come alive was Alfonso Soriano's. Soriano finally started to tee off, going four for five in Saturday's game.

The biggest part of the weekend, though, was the impressive work from the pitching staff. Anytime you sweep the best team in the league (record-wise) without having to throw your ace qualifies as big time.

Ted Lilly threw a great game on Friday to get his fourth-consecutive quality start, and even chipped in with some key hitting. The great pitching continued on Saturday, as Ryan Dempster gave the Cubs a great start and put them in position to get the big 7-2 victory.

On Sunday, Sean Gallagher had a solid outing, even if it was cut short. For a spot start, he looked good and gave the Cubs an opportunity to win.

The bullpen was also solid all weekend long, from shutting the door on the D-Backs on Friday and Saturday to keeping the Cubs in it on Sunday after Gallagher had gotten into a little trouble. If the Cubs can keep pitching the way that they did this past weekend, they will be in great shape for the rest of the summer.

Even though it was just a series in early May and there are still plenty of games to come, this was a big series for the Cubs. It righted a ship that seemed off during their road trip, and it gave them big wins over the best team in baseball. Hopefully that trend continues as the Padres and Pirates come calling this week at Wrigley.

After The Willis And Cabrera Trade, Can The Marlins Explain The Ramirez Deal?

Kevin Koss — Sat, 10 May 2008 09:04:52 -0400

How two-faced can the Florida Marlins organization be?

This offseason, the Marlins traded superstar Miguel Cabrera along with Dontrelle Willis to the Detroit Tigers for six prospects, but now they turn around and sign Hanley Ramirez to a six-year, $70 million deal.

I realize they are in constant rebuilding mode and maintain a payroll of just $22 million. However, if the team was going to keep Ramirez, you'd think they'd try to sign Cabrera and Willis to complement their future star.

Now I'm not going to completely question their methods. After all, they have won two World Series since coming into the league, while my beloved Cubs have won all of 0 in the past 100 years.

Still, Cabrera is a perennial All-Star and future MVP candidate if he is on a winning team. Declining to offer him a big time contract seems absurd to me, especially now that the team is making Hanley Ramirez the highest-paid player in franchise history (passing Gary Sheffield's six-year, $61 million deal.

Now, I understand that they got six good prospects, but they are unproven. Like I said, Cabrera is a perennial All-Star. If Dontrelle Willis were to return to his form from 2003 to 2006, he could be one of the best pitchers in the game.

Why am I re-evaluating this trade six months after it happened? After all, this trade made a lot of sense to me back in December when they made it. The trade fell in perfect step with the Marlins' normal operation: take some prospects, groom them to be stars, trade them away for prospects, start over.

If the Marlins had locked up Cabrera, Willis and Ramirez, they would have a solid nucleus of young stars to build around for many years.

Maybe I'm wrong though. Only time will tell. After all, if three of the six players the Marlins received from the Tigers turn into All-Stars, then they have gotten their money's worth. But if all of the players are busts, then this long-term deal for Ramirez and the trade of Cabrera and Willis will be questioned forever.

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

Kevin Koss — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:43:05 -0400

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.