Bonds. Bury Bonds.
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by user ASwaff
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram recently reported that the Texas Rangers “will not rule out the possibility of signing Barry Bonds.” Why are the Rangers considering going after the player who likes his ‘roids shaken, not stirred?
Well, according to the Star-Telegram, new manager Ron Washington said he knows Bonds and that he can be an impact player. You know who else can be an impact player? Alex Rodriguez. Doesn’t mean I want him on my team.
There is a myriad of reasons why the Rangers shouldn’t even consider going after Bonds. Reason number one is that he’s only good for his bat. For a team that was top six in the AL in runs, RBI, slugging percentage and batting average, while in the bottom six in ERA and wins, a bat should not be such a big focus. We’ve seen this pursuit of bats in the past, and the only thing it seems to have done is distract from acquiring much-needed pitching. Focus on bringing back Carlos Lee and acquiring Barry Zito. Bonds isn’t anything this team needs. He’s not worth the focus, and he’s not worth the money.
Secondly, the Rangers showed improvement last year in their outfield defense, which is something that had been grossly lacking in years past. There is still room for improvement, but getting Bonds would be a monumental step backwards. He’s 42 and his knees are going on 72. He hasn’t been able to play defense worth a lick for about five years, and he has said in the past that he would not consider moving to DH. He’s an outfielder, or so he says. The jury is still out on that. At any rate, until I see something to indicate that he’s given up on that pipe dream of continuing to patrol the outfield, it stands as a big reason the Rangers shouldn’t go after him.
But, there is still the biggest reason the Rangers shouldn’t go after him. Bonds is still a lightning rod for controversy. For a team that thrives on staying out of the national media and flying beneath the radar, that’s not the kind of publicity they want. Especially when it’s negative publicity. In 2005, after Kenny Rogers had his run-in with a local camera man, the Rangers already disappointing season went into a tailspin. Same thing in 2004 when Frank Francisco went WWE on some fans in Oakland.
I say let him go to a big market team that doesn’t mind dealing with the negative publicity. Let him to go New York, or Boston, or Los Angeles. Heck, let him stay in San Francisco. But he doesn’t belong in Texas. This is an open plea with Tom Hicks - don’t bother. Don’t even give him a call. Let that dead dog lie. When the Rangers win the AL West behind Barry Zito’s pitching, you’ll thank me. But, don’t feel the need to thank me publicly. Sending a bouquet of syringes to Bonds will be thanks enough.
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I just can't believe you can't appreciate a steroid joke. It's only a joke, Manny!I know a lot of other players have used them, but 400-500 is a number that, like the accusations against Bonds, can't be substantiated by anything more than rumor and speculation. The number of players using them notwithstanding, I've taken a hard and consistent stance against their use, and don't condone anyone using them, regardless of team.