FanNation | PhillyFan83 | The Unforgotten Man

    There were differences last year in the sports world. The Celtics went from the laughing team of the NBA to the champions of the world. This time last year, the Rays were stuck in last place, destined for another finish in the cellar. Now, they have a lead of the Sox and Yanks in the AL East. The most popular name in sports was Barry Bonds. Who? Seems wierd, not having heard his name on tv, radio, talk shows, in newspapers, and magazines. Last year he was on the verge of breaking Hank Aaron's home run record. This year, he's struggling to find a team.

    He went from the most publicized icon, the "bad guy" of baseball, the cheater, to a guy whose sitting at home each day watching baseball games from his tv and not from the dugout.

    Yet, despite his antics, the attitude, and the exclusive attention he gets everytime he steps into the stadium, he would be a nice fit for some teams. For an AL team such as Boston, New York, Oakland, Los Angeles, or Minnesota, Bonds would be a nice fit. Face it, like the guy or not, he still can bring more to the table than half of the guys in the lineup. From what we know, and this is based on what we know, he still has the best eye in baseball. He will get on base once or twice a game. Having his presence in your lineup makes it better as a whole. He still has some power. Use him at DH, take the pressure and work off him in the field, and he can provide you with 15 HR's from July-September.

    Now, Peter Gammons has reported that Boston, yes, those Red Sox, have had Bonds work out for them. Is this serious or just a work out. It doesn't matter what you think of the man. Love him or hate him, he's still a prize on the free agent market and can still help your team at the plate. If I am Oakland or Minnesota, teams that are in contention, but don't know for how much longer, I take a shot at the Home Run King*. From what you have in your offenses, he can't make it much worse, especially yours Oakland. If I'm New York, and I find out that Damon and Matsui might be out for some time, I take a shot at Barry. Imagine that, Barry Bonds in New York. But just the fact you need to face A-Rod and him back-to-back is a scary thought for opposing pitchers. So here's the advice I would give these contending AL teams looking for a bat. Instead of trading some prospects for a bat, take a chance on Bonds.

    What is there to lose?

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