Spring Training: Barry Bonds to the Rays? This would be a GOOD idea.
Cowboys-Celtics-Chisox said 02/27, 07:06 AM
OK, it's a rumor based on some off the cuff remarks about internal discussions within the organization by the manager but Tampa is actually a good landing spot for the face of the steroid era in my mind.
Why?
Glad you asked. As long as Barry is willing to work on an incentive laden contract, TB is perfect for several reasons. He'd give the "fans" a reason to attend games. As it is, even the locals couldn't name a third of the players on the team without a program. Barry brings instant credibility (or infamy) to the team. Brings the MEDIA. As they say...all publicity is good publicity when you are struggling.
It's also perfect for Bonds, who I'm sure gave up hope of any contending team being interested in him months ago. He can continue his pursuit of 3k hits (only thing his resume lacks) in a relatively laid back atmosphere. And as long as he doesn't insist on two lockers and a lazy boy as part of the deal, his mere presence would command awe and respect in the locker room. With the right attitude he could actually reinvent himself as a player-coach on this team (stop laughing).
Think it's a bad Idea? Let's hear why.
Dawgee Fresh Inc. said 02/27, 07:31 AM
I think that the Rays should not go after Barry Bonds.
Your second paragraph contained some stuff that is a reason not to get Bonds. You said they will get media. Media isn't always good. Just asked Bonds' former team, San Francisco Giants. They didn't appreciate it.
Plus, Bonds is 44-years old and even if it's going to be a small contract, I think they mean small for HIM. Either way, you're still paying the guy money while he is sitting on the bench, injured. That's what being old will do to you.
Another reason why this would be a bad reason is because the Rays are right at the end of the rebuilding proccess and should be able to contend in two years. Why mess it up? Bonds is a guy who will mess up chemisty in the locker room, not good for a young team. Plus, don't they already have four good outfielders? Carl Crawford, Rocco Baldeli, B.J. Upton, and Jonny Gomes? One of them will probably playing DH.
Bonds has lost a huge step and he might go to jail after the contract is done. And face it, Barry's stats aren't that eye-popping.
Why take him?
Cowboys-Celtics-Chisox said 02/27, 04:05 PM
The Giants didn't appreciate the media generated by Bonds? I think you are misunderstanding Giants baseball. AT&T park would be better referred to as the house that Barry built. Barry Bonds is an absolute Icon in San Fran and to think the organization doesn't appreciate anything he did for the team and the city is simply wrong.
As for position, Bonds would obviously be a DH. I don't think you are going to see the man come to the A.L. as on OF. The Rays have been trying to trade Crawford and/or Baldeli for at least the last two years but Baldeli can't stay healthy long enough for them to pull the trigger.
Barry's stats not eye popping? Have you looked at his stats?
2007 - 340AB 75R 94H 28HR 66RBI 132BB .276BA .480OBP .1045OBP
The man can still hit! And gets on base nearly half the time.
The dynamics in south Florida are quite different than in some large media markets. The Rays can't draw flies as it is, Bonds brings some buzz to the team. Barry is also coming up on some key milestones (yes more of them) to generate some positive publicity and get the team some national recognition.
If it doesn't work out, they can waive him. He's deifintely worth a look.
Dawgee Fresh Inc. said 02/28, 07:35 AM
AT&T Park may be an icon of San Francisco because it is the only MLB park there. The Rays want attention but not the kind of attention about steroid use, bad team chemistry, and the Rays are bringing back a steroid user with tainted records.
There isn't enough room for Bonds in the outfield. They have those good young oufielders as I said in my first argument. They are not able to trade Baldeli and Crawford, they're stuck on the Rays.
Look, the Giants had Barry when he was in his 40's. Did it work out? No. Unless the Giants were aiming to be the worst team in the major leagues.
Barry's stats are above average, nothing more. The Rays have plenty of players with better stats than that.
They can waive him but why pay him the money in the first place?
He plays for himself, not the team.
Cowboys-Celtics-Chisox said 02/28, 04:47 PM
What the Rays actually want is butts in the seats. The "bad team chemistry" is pure speculation based on what biased sports writers think of the man. Frankly, neither you nor I have any clue about Barry the person, and most team mates who has spoken of him have done so in a positive manner.
"Look, the Giants had Barry when he was in his 40's. Did it work out?"
Yeah. To the tune of 3.2mil in attendance every year despite being a perennial loser.
"Barry's stats are above average, nothing more."
Above average, nothing more? His .480 on base % last year ranks 30th IN HISTORY. The Next closest last year was David Ortiz at .445. His 1.045OPS ranked 4th in the majors last year. "Nothing More", indeed.
"They can waive him but why pay him the money in the first place? "
1) To put a team nobody even thinks about on the map.
2) To give the Rays a true cleanup hitter, something they currently lack
3) To put butts in the seats
4) To signify to the fans they are serious about trying to win
Bonds on an incentive laden contract is a low risk, potentially HUGE reward situation for the Rays. He sure can't HURT attendance any.
Dawgee Fresh Inc. said 02/28, 05:17 PM
The Rays probably want wins more than attendance, that is what every team wants. And do you think that the Rays will get more fans just because they have a stupid idiot on steroids with tainted records? I wouldn't come to more than 2 games if I lived in Tampa.
The Giants couldn't win and that was that. Wasn't it weird that right when Barry Zito went to the Giants, he had an under .500 record? And Matt Cain had a bad year? I guess that bad chemistry caught up with them.
Bonds is lacking homeruns and RBI's in the past few years and isn't that what baseball is all about? He lacked runs too. You could say he didn't get a lot of stats because he didn't -play that much but that brings up a whole different point . . .
1) The Rays will be on the map in 2008 or 2009
2) The Rays have Carlos Pena
3) They'll get tons of fans in a year, when they grow up
40 If they want to be serious about winning, don't get Bonds!!!!
The Rays want their young players to grow up to be team leaders and Bonds won't take that. They won't mature and they could have a bad season with the bad chemistry, just like Cain and Zito.
Stupid decision, don't bring him to Tampa.
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Comments (47)
Ooh...Dawgee you had some great points until:
"And face it, Barry's stats aren't that eye-popping."
I may dislike Bonds the person, but his OPS was still 1.000+ and he hit 28 homers last season. A .480 OBP off the bench would be pretty hard to beat with any other guy.
I'll wait for further arguments as I'm not convinced.
Porkins | 02/27/08, 07:37 AM
Report Offensive CommentAgree with Porkins. You made some good points Dawgee until the end.
Will wait for more arguments before voting.
rstowe - The NMI Emperor JL | 02/27/08, 07:51 AM
Report Offensive CommentAt least that would get him out of the public's eyesight a little more. Playing for one of the worst teams in baseball can do that to you. I personally think he should just retire, cus anywhere he gets traded the fans already hate him. He wont retire tho
Stauff Nation TB | 02/27/08, 09:27 AM
Report Offensive CommentI hate to tow the party line but I too will wait for some more arguments. I just wish everyone else had as well.
FCB82 | 02/27/08, 09:28 AM
Report Offensive CommentThe mere presence of Bonds intimidates the young players and puts pressure on them. Somehow, this affects them and they don't mature as good ballplayers. No one wants to take charge in the clubhouse because they are scared they might be stepping on Bonds toes.
Cain-Willis. In & Out... | 02/27/08, 09:35 AM
Report Offensive CommentThey just got rid of one huge distraction Dukes... but it would increase attendance in TB...and it would be good to see him in the AL as a DH. I would be more willing to go to a Rays game when they come to Toronto if Bonds was playing.
Foosball | 02/27/08, 09:40 AM
Report Offensive Comment"Rays are right at the end of the rebuilding proccess and should be able to contend in two years."
In order for the Rays to "rebuild" wouldn't they have had to "build" at some point in time, or are they rebuilding to recapture the glory of the Conseco years?
I'll wait for more arguments, but honestly CCC, you make some solid points. The Rays have been a good place for old guys to play their last few. And if Bonds is smart enough to see it as such, I think he could re-invent his image here. But he'd have to come to St. Petersburg a humbled man... is that possible?
Lilwound | 02/27/08, 09:47 AM
Report Offensive CommentYeah....wouldn't wanna shake up that contending team they have there in Tampa.....
Srsly,
1 year contract...incentive laden....they can always release him if he starts to poison the clubhouse......the man can still rake....
ArmchairAthlete Is Wall-E | 02/27/08, 09:59 AM
Report Offensive CommentI am a Giants fan. The guy is someone you'll tell your grandkids you saw play. But he doesn't translate into wins.
Cain-Willis. In & Out... | 02/27/08, 10:20 AM
Report Offensive CommentBarry Cancer in the Clubhouse Bonds to any team is a bad idea, especially with a young team such as the Rays.
Pauliwood | 02/27/08, 10:38 AM
Report Offensive CommentMeh...thus why you try to sign him to an incentive laden 1 year deal.....one that you can jettison easily if things go sour....
What's the worst that can happen really?
:O)
ArmchairAthlete Is Wall-E | 02/27/08, 11:12 AM
Report Offensive CommentHE DUG HIS GRAVE let him sleep in it!!!!
SeanWhitt10 | 02/27/08, 11:12 AM
Report Offensive CommentThe whole point is that he does not have the right attitude, never did, never will. Bad idea.
AllStarz | 02/27/08, 11:29 AM
Report Offensive CommentWell CCC, it looks like you'll lose this one, but I respect you for it. You make a logical argument from a baseball standpoint, but the court of public opinion seems to have outruled you. You get my vote, regardless.
Lilwound | 02/27/08, 11:45 AM
Report Offensive CommentEven bad media is good media for the Rays. It was a blemish on the Giant's because Barry and his godfather are the image of the Giants - he ruined that image. The Rays would pick him up purely to fill a gap and need in the organization. He's already tarnished - he wont tarnish the organization.
GeauxZone | 02/27/08, 03:37 PM
Report Offensive CommentIt's a good idea. He should play again.
J. HOVA: CATCH A FIRE | 02/27/08, 03:38 PM
Report Offensive CommentAWFUL IDEA!!!!
Fans hate him, coaches hate him, the media hates him and other player hate him.
So why exactly do you want him on your team?
The Rays are working on getting their young players to develop and get out of last place. All barry does it come in hit about 20-25 HR, take a starting spot away from one of those young guys and cause attention you really don't want around your team all year.
BSchwartz07 | 02/27/08, 04:13 PM
Report Offensive Commentwell barry isnt playing OF with bj in right, crawford in left, and baldelli in center. if rocco gets hurt, bj playes center and gomes goes from DH to right. no room for barry.
yankeefan21142 | 02/27/08, 04:22 PM
Report Offensive CommentNo vote at this point.Slightly better argument by CCC.Agree with Dawgee.
"Cincy" hurts less | 02/27/08, 04:32 PM
Report Offensive CommentDawgee, in your first argument, the Giants got that load of media attention while Bonds was a) on the run to break the HR record, and b) as deep as he got in the steroid scandal.
LIFER | 02/27/08, 04:39 PM
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