I’ve never been a Bonds fan. I’m not now. But this is just plain crazy.
This is one of the best players in the game. He hit 28 HR’s in 340 AB’s last year, and led the majors with a .480 OBP. And he’s willing to play for free!!!! Are the clubs THAT concerned with the negative press? I know he’s widely considered to have used steroids/cheated and that he’s a bad clubhouse presence. But the other steroid users accused in the Mitchell Report have been largely forgiven.
And wouldn’t Bonds’ HR’s and walks offset that anyway? The Yankees just signed Sidney Ponson, for goodness’ sake. He was the Rangers’ best pitcher, and cut because his personality was acid. Bonds obviously offers more performance than Ponson.
I’m surprised to find myself incensed at this situation. I don’t particularly like Bonds, but this is crazy. Last thing: rather than the headlines reading, “Bonds offers to play for free,” the headline reads, “Bonds won’t play for independent league team.” I don’t blame him! What is there to prove? And is the media showing a little bit of bias there? All right, that’s enough for me. What do you think?