Yay: Now that it seems apparent that Bonds will break the record before the trade deadline, a team would be more likely to take him on after he hits 756. There’s no way another team would touch him in the midst of the media circus that is the homerun chase, but things will calm down in within the next month, right?
Nay: Who in the world would want Bonds?
Yay: Any playoff contender needing an extra bat, obviously. The Redsox are set at DH. Are you telling me that the Angels wouldn’t think Bonds would be an upgrade over Casey Kotchman and his nine homeruns? The Mariners are just a couple games back and they have Jose Frickin’ Vidro manning the DH spot. Also, last I saw, Ricky Ledee was patrolling left field for the Mets. And the Yankees are always looking for old overpaid players.
Nay: But just because some teams would take him doesn’t mean the Giants should just give him away for pennies. There’s no way he’s going to end up on a National League team; no one wants that “defense.” And there are only two teams in the AL that would pick up the tab: the Yankees and Redsox. The Redsox have David Ortiz firmly entrenched in the DH hole and Manny Ramirez meandering in left already, so they’re out. The Yankees are still too far out of the playoff picture (12 games back in division, 8.5 in wild card) at this point to justify taking on Bonds. The teams that have the most pressing need–the Angels and Mariners–probably won’t pay for him, so the Giants would have to pay the bulk of the salary. Why would they do that?
Yay: For some prospects. We’re going to pay Bonds anyway and finish in last place in either scenario; why not take a flier on a prospect or two? It’s clear that the Giants’ farm system ain’t producing many position players (sorry Fred Lewis).
Nay: If we pay him, shouldn’t we have him? Whatever, this brings me to my next point: Bonds is still leading the majors in OPS by a large margin. The guy is still one of the best hitters in the league, even though he’s obviously lost a step. Why would the Giants not only give him away, but pay for him to go away? That just doesn’t make sense.
Yay: It would be a symbolic gesture, as well as a practical. Let the young kids play.
Nay: Really? You would rather watch Kevin Frandsen hit? We already have the worst, most sleep-inducing lineup in the bigs? You want to get rid of our best hitter and most (only) entertaining player? Even with all the steroid stuff, you have to admit that watching Bonds hit is a thing of beauty at times.
Yay: Yeah, nothing spells entertainment like watching a 48-year-old man lumber to the plate, stand there, take six pitches, unwrap his arm-armor and lumber to first base. Get some fresh blood in there. Give Barry’s leather recliner to Matt Cain. Trade Barry.
Nay: When the Giants get shut out for the record 16th time in a row, you’ll regret your decision. Keep him.
Posted by Say Hey
Posted by Say Hey
Posted by Say Hey
