340 AB 28 HR 66 RBI 132 BB 5 SB .277
Barry Bonds at 42 put up that stat line. At 43 he is out of work.
Why?
Not because of his age, but his disposition and depositions. Not because he can’t still play, but because his life has become a play. A morality play. And because, being Barry Bonds, he’s too greedy to take a reasonable contract that protects the team that gets him from the not unrealistic chance that he will fade rapidly into the sunset at some point.
But still, 304 AB 28 HR 66 RBI 132 BB 5 SB .277?
Let’s take the steroid issue head on. Yes, he used steroids. But not, apparently, in 2007 under the new testing procedures. HGH? Can’t say. Worrisome, but not provable.
Would there be a backlash from fans if he were signed? Probably not. Sports fans have a transitory sense of morality, forgiving their team’s players sins which they denounce in others. Did Giants fans possess less sense of morality and fairness than those of the St. Louis Cardinals? No, they just told themselves whatever lies you tell yourself about heroes and went about enjoying the show.
And it is quite a show. One that will put fans in seats. One that will bring out the media.
Oh, there is that. If your team has a shot at winning you have to calculate the distraction Bonds represents. The irritation of spending day after day with camera crews jammed into your locker room, ignoring the key steal that won the game (and the player who made it). Asking players what they think will happen if Barry stands trial. Thinking and speculating and generally making turbulent the smooth waters that you’re supposed to sail to the World Series.
So strike off the Yankees (too many DH types already), the RedSox (who can’t put Ortiz in the field without protest from the ‘Save the Whales’ society), and the Angels (who have accumulated 4 starting outfielders and must keep them happy as DHs). But leave in the Tigers, Indians, and Blue Jays. Sure, there is the chemistry thing, but there is also Jacque Jones (LF-Detroit), David Delluci (LF-Cleveland), and Adam Lind (LF-Toronto).
Bonds could be a difference maker for Detroit, Cleveland, or Toronto. Of the three, Toronto is the best fit. For one thing, the Canadian media will be alot less interested in Bonds and the fans less judgmental. Hey, they are from Canada. After all, they did take Ricky WIlliams off our hands, so why not Barry Bonds?
The NL is less of an option. The Cubs have Fukudome to complete their outfield, which is a shame because day games, grass fields, and friendly winds are also things Bonds could use at this point in his career. Tony LaRussa wanted him in St. Louis, but the front office didn’t want to spend the money. Same reason the Padres weren’t interested.
The obvious choice of a landing spot in the Senior Circuit for Bonds is Atlanta (with all due respect to Matt Diaz). Turner Field is a good hitters park and the Braves need something to put them back in the mix with the Phillies and Mets. As a one year rental, Bonds would be a good investment. But the Braves’ management isn’t as fond of spending money as Barry is of collecting it. Scratch Atlanta.
So, in the words of Johnny Rivers, “Welcome back baby, to the poor side of town”. Tampa Bay has floated the idea of bringing the Bonds circus to town. The Orioles could use something to distract their fans from the gutted wreckage that was once a baseball team. A sentimental journey to Pittsburgh might work, but at the expense of playing time for Adam LaRoche would it be worth it?
Time waits for no man, and it won’t wait for Bonds.
Valuable spring training time has already been lost. It now looks like the HR clicker has stopped at 762. But come July some team will be in the hunt but crippled by injuries and a call will be made. A three month deal for millions, perhaps a Yankees jersey and a smiling photo with Hank Steinbrenner?
Something tells me we haven’t seen the last of Barry Bonds.