The Ball Girl: Who wants Bonds now?
Skylar Walker
Issue date: 10/25/07 Section: Sports
Barry Bonds played his final game as a Giant September 26. For better or worse, he's part of the San Francisco baseball legacy alongside his godfather Willie Mays and father Bobby Bonds. He holds the record for most home runs launched in a career, and even if you think the record is "tainted," it is undeniable. It must be accepted. It's history - once again, for better or worse.
But Bonds isn't done playing; he's not ending it in San Francisco.
Maybe he took steroids knowingly, maybe he didn't. It doesn't change the fact that he gets on base more than anyone else. For those more inclined to scoff at stats such as OBP (on-base percentage), that means he makes fewer outs than any other player in the game. Outs are the most precious commodity in baseball. Once they're gone, there's nothing you can do to get them back. Bonds is, undoubtedly, the best at not making outs.
Who wouldn't want him on their team?
So you say he's a "clubhouse cancer" with bad press. You say fans won't go to games because he's trawling around in left as a defensive liability on a gimp knee with a steroid haze surrounding him. But add him to any mediocre line-up and you have an offense no one can call merely mediocre if they actually look at the numbers. Fans will go see their team if they're winning, regardless of who's playing left field.
Bonds is one year older and worn down by one more season. He won't command as much salary as he did in 2007, and most put his price tag at $10-12 million for 2008. He's an affordable designated hitter and his bat would make up for any outfield deficiencies should he stay in the National League or sign with an American League team already set at the DH.
Money is not the issue when it comes to hiring Barry Bonds: it's guts. Which general
manager has the guts to make his team better by signing a controversial figure? Which GM isn't afraid of the backlash? Which GM knows that this signing could be the difference between the cellar and playoff contention?
Those are the questions that matter this offseason, not whether or not he took steroids.
Bonds is still one of the best players in the game. Face the facts.
But Bonds isn't done playing; he's not ending it in San Francisco.
Maybe he took steroids knowingly, maybe he didn't. It doesn't change the fact that he gets on base more than anyone else. For those more inclined to scoff at stats such as OBP (on-base percentage), that means he makes fewer outs than any other player in the game. Outs are the most precious commodity in baseball. Once they're gone, there's nothing you can do to get them back. Bonds is, undoubtedly, the best at not making outs.
Who wouldn't want him on their team?
So you say he's a "clubhouse cancer" with bad press. You say fans won't go to games because he's trawling around in left as a defensive liability on a gimp knee with a steroid haze surrounding him. But add him to any mediocre line-up and you have an offense no one can call merely mediocre if they actually look at the numbers. Fans will go see their team if they're winning, regardless of who's playing left field.
Bonds is one year older and worn down by one more season. He won't command as much salary as he did in 2007, and most put his price tag at $10-12 million for 2008. He's an affordable designated hitter and his bat would make up for any outfield deficiencies should he stay in the National League or sign with an American League team already set at the DH.
Money is not the issue when it comes to hiring Barry Bonds: it's guts. Which general
manager has the guts to make his team better by signing a controversial figure? Which GM isn't afraid of the backlash? Which GM knows that this signing could be the difference between the cellar and playoff contention?
Those are the questions that matter this offseason, not whether or not he took steroids.
Bonds is still one of the best players in the game. Face the facts.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
r adams
posted 10/27/07 @ 9:21 PM EST
how will Peter Magowan be remembered for making this decision?? Only time will tell ... 43yrs old, 07'-->.480 OBP !!! great write up
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