Steroid allegations? Check. Federal charges of perjury and obstruction of justice? Check. No cartilage left in both knees? Check there too. Free agent Barry Bonds is just not a very popular guy these days. At least you’d think he wasn’t. But the exact opposite is true.
It was disclosed today through various news sources that MLB teams are still interested in potentially signing Bonds despite all of his on and off-the-field issues. For example, St. Louis Post Dispatch writer Joe Strauss is reporting that the ownership of the Cardinals along with skipper Tony LaRussa actively had discussion among brass but the idea died “in committee”. According to the article:
““When you look at somebody dangerous to hit behind Albert (Pujols), Barry was the guy I thought of,” La Russa acknowledged before Sunday’s workout. “For whatever reason, at the general manager or the ownership level, they didn’t agree.”“
The reasons cited here were that the team has been going in the direction of younger players and this move would not jive with that philosophy.
The Cardinals are the not the only team that has considered Bonds recently before deciding to pass. The Associated Press has reported that the Tampa Bay Devil Rays have been having internal discussions about adding the home run king. According to AP, Devil Rays manager Joe Maddon said the following:
“A minor discussion was thrown out there a little bit, and it’s really not gone any further than that,” Maddon said after Monday’s workout at the team’s spring training facility. “That’s all it is right now.”
I don’t blame teams for looking at Bonds right now. He can still swing a bat, that’s for sure. He looks like he might get the federal charge thrown out. The steroids scandal and the Mitchell report spotlight is firmly being focused on Roger Clemens and other players right now.
But what if Bonds is found guilty of the charges? What if MLB takes action against Bonds on the steroid allegations? What if Bonds’ knee finally gives out in spring training? Lots of “ifs” for sure, but I wouldn’t want that type of distraction and controversy for my team should any of those “ifs” pan out. Better to be safe than sorry, and that’s where Bonds sits right now. You’re just not “safe” right now, Barry, so “sorry”!
RE: Barry Bonds is still a hot commodity, apparently What about getting Barry if only for the increased ticket sales? I’d really like the see what he can do with a chip on his shoulder…...he did turn in decent #‘s in 2007.
AL team what are the cardinals doing? he no longer can play in the field. he’s a fit for the AL team; they can write clauses into a contract should he be found guilty. he’s a better fit for a team with vets (i.e. not impressionable young guys) that needs someone to push them over the top. someone like angels, who have an inconsistent offense.
sideshow he might increase ticket sales, but he’d still be a distraction. I’m sure someone might go for it, but I wouldn’t.
- Freddie Footballer
Distraction Maybe that’s way the Devil Rays…er…the Rays need—something to distract their audience away from how much the team sucks.
hahaha thanks Sportsmeels, that made me laugh. I needed that.
- Freddie Footballer