Bonds still looking for team? [Archive]

Ace Venom

03-03-2009, 09:28 AM

I don't doubt that Bonds loves the game of baseball, but he's a risk to GMs. Certainly the Dodgers can give the middle finger to Manny by signing Bonds at league minimum, but there's a huge risk factor associated with his age. The economy isn't in good shape right now, so even a small risk with Bonds could be a potential problem. There's also the circus that surrounds Bonds. He may not want to retire, but he's being forced into it.

Dravecky43

03-03-2009, 01:11 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3948234
Any reason why any team would consider him?

Because he can still hit better than half of the outfielders and DHs still in the game.

RuthMayBond

03-03-2009, 02:08 PM

Certainly the Dodgers can give the middle finger to Manny by signing Bonds at league minimum, but there's a huge risk factor associated with his age. The economy isn't in good shape right now, so even a small risk with Bonds could be a potential problem.$25 mil vs league minimum, I wonder which risk is more

<He may not want to retire, but he's being forced into it.>

Is that what owners are calling collusion these days?

mrakbaseball

03-03-2009, 02:20 PM

He hasn't played since 2007, he'll be 45 in July. It's over.

MadHatter

03-03-2009, 03:51 PM

Way to go down in a blaze of glory, huh?

Ace Venom

03-03-2009, 04:30 PM

Is that what owners are calling collusion these days?

The MLBPA could have filed a grievance on behalf of Bonds, but Bud Selig ended up getting them to delay it. It leads me to believe they weren't serious and it was more of a "gotcha" move. If they had been serious, they could have filed the grievance. Unfortunately, it would have turned even more fans against baseball and the MLBPA is already pretty unpopular with the general public. What Bonds needs to do is hit the independent circuit and tear it up. If he does well, he'll get picked up by a major league team.

sturg1dj

03-03-2009, 04:39 PM

even though I believe collusion is the reason he is not with a team, I would agree that I should go the independent route if he wants to play. Too bad his ego won't let him. You can't say only second rate players go that route since another top-10 all-time leftfielder- first ballot hall of famer went that route (rickey henderson)

NYMets523

03-03-2009, 05:16 PM

even though I believe collusion is the reason he is not with a team,

Yeah, it has nothing to do with the fact that he's 44 years old, can only DH, hasn't played 130+ games since 2004, wants much more than what the market dictates, and is a horrible person to deal with.

Dravecky43

03-03-2009, 05:33 PM

Yeah, it has nothing to do with the fact that he...wants much more than what the market dictates, and is a horrible person to deal with.

League minimum ($350,000 or so) is much more than the market dictates? And yes, the media don't like dealing with him. Have you ever talked to people who have met him or played with him (excluding Jeff Kent), however? All of those types I've talked to have said he's a great guy. Don't believe everything the media says.

blacksilverfan12

03-03-2009, 06:40 PM

All of those types I've talked to have said he's a great guy. Don't believe everything the media says.

That's true, I know I've only heard the media

NYMets523

03-03-2009, 08:15 PM

League minimum ($350,000 or so) is much more than the market dictates?
When did he say this? Bonds' ego is too massive to play for $1M, let alone league minimum. If he said that, the odds are good that he was lying.

And yes, the media don't like dealing with him. Have you ever talked to people who have met him or played with him (excluding Jeff Kent), however? All of those types I've talked to have said he's a great guy. Don't believe everything the media says.
Who have you talked to?

Moses Fleetwood-Walker

03-03-2009, 08:43 PM

mrakbaseball

03-04-2009, 04:22 AM

No one can stop Bonds at the plate even at 45 years old.
Father Time can. :twocents:

Zagi-CRO

03-04-2009, 04:34 AM

My opinion is if Bonds is capable to improve team' record - why not, I'd acquire him.

RuthMayBond

03-04-2009, 06:56 AM

even though I believe collusion is the reason he is not with a team, I would agree that I should go the independent route if he wants to play. Too bad his ego won't let him.
You mean like Jackie Robinson or Rollie Fingers?

KCGHOST

03-04-2009, 07:44 AM

I certainly wouldn't want him on my team.

He does need to get out and showcase his skills, though. He's had an awfully long layoff and the price he is assumed to be asking is too great a risk for a player his age. And then there's the trial, the pharmaceuticals, the boorishness, etc.

bob

03-04-2009, 08:42 AM

Few Teams need a 45 year old DH right now.
Off the field he'll sell a tonne of t-shirts, so from purely financial POV it would be a smart move, but not of much on field value.
Id much rather take an average 20 year old hitter against a 45 year old.

metfan13

03-04-2009, 09:03 AM

No one can stop Bonds at the plate even at 45 years old. He could go out there today and DH for 20+ HR's and rack up walks for a number of AL teams. He's that great. Even if Bonds doesnt play again I'd like to see him involved with MLB again as coach or exec. The game needs Bonds.

Needs Bonds?

Unless he's hitting homers for them, the LAST thing a team needs is Bonds and the accompanying circus.

Good riddance to him.

Imgran

03-04-2009, 11:08 AM

Last thing this game needs is the constant reminder of the steroid era. Sorry Barry, you may be persona non grata for political rather than baseball reasons, but you're still persona non grata.

RuthMayBond

03-04-2009, 11:10 AM

Last thing this game needs is the constant reminder of the steroid era. Sorry Barry, you may be persona non grata for political rather than baseball reasons, but you're still persona non grata.Glad to hear you're forcing ARod to retire

ConnieMack

03-04-2009, 11:20 AM

League minimum ($350,000 or so) is much more than the market dictates? And yes, the media don't like dealing with him. Have you ever talked to people who have met him or played with him (excluding Jeff Kent), however? All of those types I've talked to have said he's a great guy. Don't believe everything the media says.

Complete BS if you think He would play for the league minimum.

Even factoring in the circus atmosphere and boorish behavior, if Bonds would actually sign for $ 350,000 He would have several teams standing in line with contract in hand.

Paulypal

03-04-2009, 12:15 PM

Yeah, it has nothing to do with the fact that he's 44 years old, can only DH, hasn't played 130+ games since 2004, wants much more than what the market dictates, and is a horrible person to deal with.

With all that, he can start in the Mets outfield without any question, and would be an excellent DH for any AL team.

Some of you guys are taking your dislike for him personally on the field. He would still contribute.

west coast orange and black

03-04-2009, 12:48 PM

nymets523: When did [Bonds] say [that he would sign for league minimum]? Bonds' ego is too massive to play for $1M, let alone league minimum. If he said that, the odds are good that he was lying.

last season, his agent offered bonds to all 30 teams for a prorated share of the $390,000 minimum.

additionally, bonds was directly quoted that he would donate that pro-rated salary to purchase tickets for children; bonds stated that he would essentially play for free.

i have not heard anything from camp bonds re the 2009 season.

west coast orange and black

03-04-2009, 12:51 PM

ace venom: What Bonds needs to do is hit the independent circuit and tear it up. If he does well, he'll get picked up by a major league team.

bonds has nothing to prove.
all 30 teams know what he can do on the field.

also, the independent circuit would be too strenuous on bonds' body.

NYMets523

03-04-2009, 01:09 PM

With all that, he can start in the Mets outfield without any question, and would be an excellent DH for any AL team.
The last thing the Mets need is a broken down, 40+ year old OF. Don't you remember Moises Alou? What AL teams need a DH?

Some of you guys are taking your dislike for him personally on the field. He would still contribute.

At some point the issues of having to deal with him day in and day out outweigh the limited contributions he can make on the field.

Paulypal

03-04-2009, 01:26 PM

The last thing the Mets need is a broken down, 40+ year old OF. Don't you remember Moises Alou? What AL teams need a DH?

At some point the issues of having to deal with him day in and day out outweigh the limited contributions he can make on the field.

Moises Alou is made of glass, and for the most part always has been. I agree Bonds best fit is not a NL team. Although he would still contribute more than any other individual in the Met OF...besides Beltran. As you know I am not too fond of the Met OF.

Without making a list of teams...do you think no team can use a DH that plays in 120 games 25 HR's with a .400+ OBP and 900+ OPS? In his last season on one leg he had a 1.045 OPS. I still think he could contribute.

What issues? Steroids? Please. The cat is about to be let out of the bag that many many players were using. The streroid issue is no longer just on Bonds' doorstep. So he is a creep with the media. Good. I really never had a problem with that. I believe Bonds is a difficult guy, but lets not forget that the media provides their own angle about whatever they want, and have people believe whatever they want. I seriously doubt Bonds is the anti-Christ that they would have you believe.

metfan13

03-04-2009, 01:40 PM

So at 44/45, missed a full season, injury prone, hasn't hit .300 since turning 40, someone should bring this circus to town?

If given his age, and missed time, he's lost a little bat speed, the freebie walks will dry up and the OBP may not be so gaudy.

Plus he can't play D anymore.

If I'm a NL team, why bother.

NYMets523

03-04-2009, 01:56 PM

Moises Alou is made of glass, and for the most part always has been. I agree Bonds best fit is not a NL team. Although he would still contribute more than any other individual in the Met OF...besides Beltran. As you know I am not too fond of the Met OF.
So Bonds contributes more then Reyes, Wright, or Santana? I'm so glad you don't run a team.

Without making a list of teams...do you think no team can use a DH that plays in 120 games 25 HR's with a .400+ OBP and 900+ OPS? In his last season on one leg he had a 1.045 OPS. I still think he could contribute.
Unless his leg got magically healed, I wouldn't expect those numbers.

What issues? Steroids? Please. The cat is about to be let out of the bag that many many players were using. The streroid issue is no longer just on Bonds' doorstep. So he is a creep with the media. Good. I really never had a problem with that. I believe Bonds is a difficult guy, but lets not forget that the media provides their own angle about whatever they want, and have people believe whatever they want. I seriously doubt Bonds is the anti-Christ that they would have you believe.
I was talking about the fact that he's a curmudgeon, not the steroids. He's also supposed to go on trial in June. Why bother signing him if he's going to have to go to court? Convenient how every pro-Bonds person has left that out.

So at 44/45, missed a full season, injury prone, hasn't hit .300 since turning 40, someone should bring this circus to town?

If given his age, and missed time, he's lost a little bat speed, the freebie walks will dry up and the OBP may not be so gaudy.

Plus he can't play D anymore.

If I'm a NL team, why bother.
Exactly. And some of those intentional walks were because of him approaching 755.

RedsoxMetsFan123

03-04-2009, 02:43 PM

west coast orange and black

03-04-2009, 02:44 PM

nymets523: He's also supposed to go on trial in June. Why bother signing him if he's going to have to go to court? Convenient how every pro-Bonds person has left that out.

do you really see it pro-bonds v anti-bonds, nymets?

re bonds' trial: the 30 are well aware that the trial will more than likely not start for another 8-14 months, and his salary would be pro-rated.

NYMets523

03-04-2009, 02:57 PM

do you really see it pro-bonds v anti-bonds, nymets?
I didn't feel like typing out "Everyone who thinks a team should sign Bonds".

re bonds' trial: the 30 are well aware that the trial will more than likely not start for another 8-14 months, and his salary would be pro-rated.
Unless it's been delayed again, the trial is in June which is in the middle of the season.

SamtheBravesFan

03-04-2009, 02:59 PM

I hope the Mets sign him, I'd highely doubt he will, he will probablu resign with San Fransisco or Pittsburgh. The Mets are un need of a Left Fielder, wait isnt Bonds a little to old to be playing baseball, the man's almost in his mid 40's, so is Jamie Moyer.

:disbelief:

Kid, the Pirates have no interest in Bonds and neither do the Giants. No one does.

He IS in his mid-40s. However, no one is "too old" to play baseball. People just become too old to play baseball at the major league level because they can't keep up anymore. Some players are able to play on well into their 40s for various reasons (Satchel Paige, Phil Niekro, Greg Maddux, Jamie Moyer, Cy Young, Julio Franco, Nolan Ryan, etc.)

Paulypal

03-04-2009, 03:04 PM

So Bonds contributes more then Reyes, Wright, or Santana? I'm so glad you don't run a team.

Unless his leg got magically healed, I wouldn't expect those numbers.

I was talking about the fact that he's a curmudgeon, not the steroids. He's also supposed to go on trial in June. Why bother signing him if he's going to have to go to court? Convenient how every pro-Bonds person has left that out.

Exactly. And some of those intentional walks were because of him approaching 755.

If you read what I typed...I said the Met OF. That is short for outfield.

Otis Nixon's Bodyguard

03-04-2009, 03:07 PM

The skills and durability of any 44 year-old player, even one of the best players of all-time, are constantly in question. His ability of an to get the bat around and stay in the lineup regularly could vanish at any time (if it hasn't already, given that we haven't seen him play in over a year). He might be worth a gamble if he was a Cal Ripken type with a good guy image, but the media frenzy that signing Bonds would create makes the risk too much in my opinion. Whether he wants to be or not, I think he's done. I wish him well with the HOF voting in 2013.

NYMets523

03-04-2009, 03:09 PM

If you read what I typed...I said the Met OF. That is short for outfield.

I tend to skim over anything you post about the Mets OF since your absolute hatred of it is irrational.

Paulypal

03-04-2009, 04:12 PM

I tend to skim over anything you post about the Mets OF since your absolute hatred of it is irrational.

Good excuse.

I am Mets fan...its not hatred its what I like to call reality. Their OF besides Beltran is not good at all...at all. You think Tatis/Murphy/Church is a good mix....I dont think its very good. Murphy may be a player, he has excellent plate sense for his age, an we are hoping Church can bounce back. I do not think because a guy wears the jersey that he is somehow good. It is ok for people to think that way. If no one did then the Wilpons would be upset with the attendance. They needed to fill a void in the OF and they didnt. Period.

The Mets did it again this off season. They did enough to keep the fans coming back, but didnt make that over the top move to make them a true WS contender.

I have seen the blueprint before.

With that said Bonds would be an upgrade in Left Field.

MyDogSparty

03-04-2009, 04:59 PM

I seem to be in the minority here but I'd sign Bonds to my team in a heart beat with a lot of incentives. His layoff doesn't scare me in the slightest. I'm 100% confident that he still has some high quality baseball left in him. Granted there is the chance that he wouldn't be able to play as many games or get injured but that's where the incentives would focus. I'd really like to see him back in baseball. I realize that along with signing Bonds there is a media circus following him but that doesn't scare me either.

west coast orange and black

03-04-2009, 05:15 PM

nymets523: Unless it's been delayed again, the trial is in June which is in the middle of the season.

though not officially delayed, there is no reason to think that several more delays are forthcoming.
i would bet my house that the trial will occur after this season... or that the case'll be dropped or settle, without bonds ever stepping in to the courthouse.

metfan13

03-04-2009, 05:23 PM

Good excuse.

I am Mets fan...its not hatred its what I like to call reality. Their OF besides Beltran is not good at all...at all. You think Tatis/Murphy/Church is a good mix....I dont think its very good. Murphy may be a player, he has excellent plate sense for his age, an we are hoping Church can bounce back. I do not think because a guy wears the jersey that he is somehow good. It is ok for people to think that way. If no one did then the Wilpons would be upset with the attendance. They needed to fill a void in the OF and they didnt. Period.

The Mets did it again this off season. They did enough to keep the fans coming back, but didnt make that over the top move to make them a true WS contender.

I have seen the blueprint before.

With that said Bonds would be an upgrade in Left Field.

Wow one of THOSE Mets fans.

NYMets523

03-04-2009, 05:31 PM

It is ok for people to think that way.
Only if they have some proof to back it up.

They needed to fill a void in the OF and they didnt. Period.
They had more pressing needs which they filled. In this economy, they are smart to not give a player $20M plus.

The Mets did it again this off season. They did enough to keep the fans coming back, but didnt make that over the top move to make them a true WS contender.
So unless a team signs every best player possible, they did not do enough to be a WS contender?

With that said Bonds would be an upgrade in Left Field.
He'd be as much of an upgrade as Moises Alou.

nymets523: Unless it's been delayed again, the trial is in June which is in the middle of the season.

though not officially delayed, there is no reason to think that several more delays are forthcoming.
i would bet my house that the trial will occur after this season... or that the case'll be dropped or settle, without bonds ever stepping in to the courthouse.
For your sake, I hope it is delayed. Wouldn't want you to lose your house.

Paulypal

03-04-2009, 05:44 PM

Only if they have some proof to back it up.

They had more pressing needs which they filled. In this economy, they are smart to not give a player $20M plus.

So unless a team signs every best player possible, they did not do enough to be a WS contender?

He'd be as much of an upgrade as Moises Alou.

For your sake, I hope it is delayed. Wouldn't want you to lose your house.

Who was 20 million plus. I wanted Abreu..who if I am not mistaken was had for 5 million. They did address the bullpen which was very good, but they are left with a couple of glaringly weak areas. I am not talking about just beating out the Phils, I am talking about winning a WS.

I wasnt asking to sign all the best available players, just improve what you have. One because it needs it, two because its affordable.

Your comparing one of the greatest players ever to Moises Alou. You seem to be uniformed and unaware. West Coast...I just had to.

KevinWI

03-05-2009, 01:46 AM

DownUnderDodger

03-05-2009, 03:31 AM

Is Bonds now really a worthwhile talking point as a prospect for any team?? Surely, for the future of the game, the focus should be on current (Bonds has not played for more than a season and is 45 years old) and up and coming players, not former great players whose future has absolutely no guarantee.

NYMets523

03-05-2009, 08:11 AM

Who was 20 million plus. I wanted Abreu..who if I am not mistaken was had for 5 million. They did address the bullpen which was very good, but they are left with a couple of glaringly weak areas. I am not talking about just beating out the Phils, I am talking about winning a WS.
You can't guarantee your team a trip to the WS. I won't resurrect the rest of this argument here.

Your comparing one of the greatest players ever to Moises Alou. You seem to be uniformed and unaware. West Coast...I just had to.
At this point in their careers, they are very similar players.

timmyj51

03-05-2009, 08:36 AM

Captain Cold Nose

03-05-2009, 09:37 AM

Balco Barry without a team? No poblema. He can just get together
his 'roidhead chums (A-Roid, McGuire, Pettit, Clemens, etc) and form the All-American Roid Team. Since the true-blue baseball "fans" (cough, cough)
only wanna see balls sent into the stands, by hook or crook, can charge
top dollar. Who says crime doesn't pay.

Who says people have lost their perspective of things?

Their names are McGwire and Pettite, btw. If you're going to exacerbate their situation, the least you can do is spell their names correctly.

SHOELESSJOE3

03-05-2009, 11:20 AM

I think Bonds could really be an asset to any team, he still can hit and has a powerful swing, juiced or not. Like Costas said, Bonds was a great player before steroids, he just became a baseball god with them.

That being said, I wouldn't want him on MY team. He would be 'the' story, probably would distract the whole clubhouse.

Thats true............key word in that statement.......before.
Lots of time has gone by since then.

Bottom line, if no one picked him up last year, why would they this year, another year older and another year since he last played. I would be surprised, and I may be but I really doubt him being picked.

flota89

03-05-2009, 03:31 PM

No one can stop Bonds at the plate even at 45 years old. He could go out there today and DH for 20+ HR's and rack up walks for a number of AL teams. He's that great. Even if Bonds doesnt play again I'd like to see him involved with MLB again as coach or exec. The game needs Bonds.

The game does not need cheaters. The game needs to get rid of people like Bonds in my opinion.

west coast orange and black

03-05-2009, 04:42 PM

flota89

03-05-2009, 05:10 PM

^
flota89: what would you do to "the 103"; to all other players who tested positive but remain unnamed, per work agreement; to players who publicly admitted to using; who admitted privately?

who are these people "like bonds"?

Im not saying I know what should be done to the players but i'm ready to end all this steroid stuff. People like Bonds are people who have cheated. This is just my opinion.

west coast orange and black

03-05-2009, 05:21 PM

^
the steroid stuff will eventually give way to some other stuff. :ooo:

RedsoxMetsFan123

03-05-2009, 05:51 PM

SamtheBravesFan

03-05-2009, 06:48 PM

It said this morning on espn, that he's contacting all 30 mlb teams to see if any of them are gonna sign him, I highly doubt it because he wants to much money and only the Yanks could afford it probably (highest payroll in MLB)

That's not true. He just wants to get back into baseball at this point. Most teams may be able to afford him. No one wants him. The Yankees don't want him. The Mets don't want him. The Giants don't want him. The Angels don't want him. I could go on, but I don't want to list every team in baseball. :p