Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Bonds?
I recently saw mention on the Hardball Times - www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/should-the-red-sox-sign-bonds/ - that there is discussion from the Sox baseball fandom on signing Barry Bonds. I believe that Mr. Epstein would not make this transaction, for the simple reason that he knows that the fans at Fenway would vilify Bonds. The Sox should be able to withstand Big Papi being out for the month, especially with the current state of the AL East. I can't believe there is seriously any discussion from the Sox brass on making this signing.
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6 comments:
As much as I detest Barry Bonds, I gotta think that he would add a significant DH bat down the stretch. The good news is that the Sox have a few weeks (post Interleague play) to determine whether the tear in the sheath in Papi's wrist will need surgery or not. At that point, he'll either be back in the lineup or out for the season. If it's the latter, I think we'd be stupid not to at least consider Barry's HR capability.
You know what? If Papi is done for the season, I think it's worth considering, at least.
I'm just sort of neutral on Bonds. I don't vilify him for (ahem, allegedly) using steroids all those years. He certainly wasn't alone, and MLB most certainly turned a blind eye to it.
Let's not forget that Bonds is one hell of a hitter.
I just can't see it. Bonds coming to Boston is not like some of the other "bad apple conversion" moves of other teams, like the Patriots taking Moss or Corey Dillon and through work ethic getting them to fit in their system (not to mention signing Moss to a lesser deal to get the opportunity to play on a winning team). Bonds is attention-grabbing, obnoxious and demands a premium, and there are still more unknowns about his legal issues. It would be more like the Pats taking T.O. than Moss.
What kind of impact would he have in a clubhouse like the Sox? For crying out loud Nomar was a cancer in a fun clubhouse (even with Millar's antics) and he was just sulking in the corner.
Gents - great conversation! Hopefully more will jump in and share their opinions on whether we sign bonds and let Lowell/Manny give him daily "Code Reds."
The only thing he has going for him is his ability to nail the ball. It's everything else that comes with him that makes me think it's not worth it. But, like I said before, if Manny and Lowell get to do the soap in a sock trick to him, a la Full Metal Jacket (aka Code Red - ha!), nightly, I'm okay with it.
I just don't know if there is anyone that can keep Bonds in line. He is a veteran that won't be intimidated by others. However, maybe (though very unlikely) the time off has humbled him. I see the biggest factor being the fans though. Look how they vilified Canseco and Wilfredo Cordero. It would just compound any sullenness from Bonds. However, one homerun or rbi in a key game can quickly help win over even the most truculent of fans.
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