The Mets should sign Barry Bonds

Cannon Shell · #1 03-07-2008, 09:59 PM

They cant depend on the current lineup producing enough runs especially considering that Delgado (who looked really old last year) and Alou are already hurting. Plug Bonds in for 110-120 games in left, Alou can play the other 40-50 in left, platoon some with Church in right (Beltran may have to cover the entire outfield in these games) and possibly even fill in for Delgado at 1st. In the games Bonds doesnt start, he gives them a huge threat off the bench in late inning situations. This gives him and Alou enough time off both should stay relatively fresh, protects Church from lefties, and gives them a huge run producer in a lineup behind Reyes, Beltran and in front of Wright. Endy Chavez can be used as a late inning defensive replacement for both Alou and Bonds and pinch run for both in the late innings also. Bonds could also be used as the Mets DH in interleague games against the AL teams and/or World Series road games.

Reyes
Castillo
Beltran
Bonds
Wright
Delgado
Church/Alou
Schneider

is a pretty imposing NL lineup. Bonds would probably sign a 1 year 12 to 15 million deal which is not that much considering Juan Pierre makes 11 million a year. It will also take some of the pressure off of the team when the collapse talk comes up when they lose 2 games in a row. Barry can just say something crazy and everybody will forget the choke for awhile. If they win the WS and Barry doesnt freak out he gets his ring and the NY media would cozy up to him. Not to mention that it would totally freak Hank Steinbrenner out if he hit a couple of game winning shots that took the Yankees off the back page, especially if they are off to a slow start. It is a logical move, therefore it wont happen.

I think it is funny that Sports Illustrated wrote up a story on how happy the Giants clubhouse is without Bonds this year. Lets see how happy they are when they are 30 out at the All Star break. Not that he could have prevented that but that is as pitiful a lineup as seemingly possible. They have a couple of really live young pitchers in Linecum and Cain but they have an old, declining bunch with nothing coming behind them. How would you like to be a season ticket holder and watch Rich Aurillia hit cleanup?

SniperSB23 · #2 03-07-2008, 10:04 PM

The thought has crossed my mind a few times, even before the Alou injury. Bonds has dealt with media pressure before so I don't think that will be an issue. The Mets have enough stars too that Bonds can probably just go off and do his own thing without ruffling as many feathers as he did in San Fran where he was the man. Worst case, if he's a disaster you just pay him the rest of the contract and send him home. If it gets that bad then the team might actually rally once he's gone.

Cannon Shell · #3 03-07-2008, 10:18 PM

It really makes a lot of sense in many ways. This is really the only place Bonds could fit in. I didnt count teams that have no shot at the playoffs because what would be the point? There is no reason to think that he could not play the same amount of games that he did last year in left. his defense has slipped but they play Mioses freakin Alou there and he is an adventure when healthy. Plus Beltran has superior range and can cover Bonds back a little. Even the games he plays can be limited to 7 innings as Chavez can be his defensive/pinch running sub which is a good role for him. His presense in the lineup can only help Beltran with him hitting behind him and Wright who has a guy who has a .450 OBP hitting in front of him.

Hickory Hill Hoff · #4 03-07-2008, 10:20 PM

And they can sign Clemens if Pedro gets hurt.....you can't be serious, just what the Mets need.....a distraction.

SniperSB23 · #5 03-07-2008, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hickory Hill Hoff

And they can sign Clemens if Pedro gets hurt.....you can't be serious, just what the Mets need.....a distraction.

Clemens wasn't very good last year and has never played with the scrutiny he would face if he came back. Bonds has faced that pressure and done just fine with it. Distractions are overrated in baseball. And actually a distraction may be what they need as it would take media pressure off of Reyes, Beltran, and Santana.

Hickory Hill Hoff · #6 03-07-2008, 10:30 PM

They got Santana and are the best team in the NL...hands down. Already everybody is hitting the panic button and the season hasn't even started! The last thing the Mets need is a "head" ache like Bonds. Wish he and Clemens would just go away!

Cannon Shell · #7 03-07-2008, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hickory Hill Hoff

And they can sign Clemens if Pedro gets hurt.....you can't be serious, just what the Mets need.....a distraction.

There will be plenty of distractions if Ruben Gotay and Angel Pagan are regulars. It will be from people hurling themselves from the upper deck of Shea.

Cannon Shell · #8 03-07-2008, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hickory Hill Hoff

They got Santana and are the best team in the NL...hands down. Already everybody is hitting the panic button and the season hasn't even started! The last thing the Mets need is a "head" ache like Bonds. Wish he and Clemens would just go away!

Santana has not proven that he can play a corner outfield position on days that he doesnt take the mound. Why pass up the best hitting left fielder of all time if all it takes is money? The last thing the Mets need is to start slow because they are playing triple A guys in left field and 1st base, 2 positions where you need offensive production.

Of course Petitte is ok because he said he was sorry?

2 Dollar Bill · #9 03-07-2008, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Santana has not proven that he can play a corner outfield position on days that he doesnt take the mound. Why pass up the best hitting left fielder of all time if all it takes is money? The last thing the Mets need is to start slow because they are playing triple A guys in left field and 1st base, 2 positions where you need offensive production.

Of course Petitte is ok because he said he was sorry?

Well he is a blankie... all is forgiven ?

Hickory Hill Hoff · #10 03-07-2008, 10:46 PM

The last two years they hadn't started slow, why should they this year? There are plenty of other "good" players out there, Bonds isn't worth the baggage and he'll become the center of attention with the N.Y media. As far as Petitte, at least he admitted what he done....those other two are ego manics that never will. The Mets will be ok, they'll do better than thier Bronx counterparts this year......YES, I admit that!

2 Dollar Bill · #11 03-07-2008, 10:47 PM

The important question is.... Are the Mets a Now Team ? If so, then the older player injuries maybe a problem .

Hickory Hill Hoff · #12 03-07-2008, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2 Dollar Bill

Well he is a blankie... all is forgiven ?

Nice to have a RED SOX fan weigh in.....what's next, the "estreetposse" ganging up on the Ol' Hick!

Hickory Hill Hoff · #13 03-07-2008, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2 Dollar Bill

The important question is.... Are the Mets a Now Team ? If so, then the older player injuries maybe a problem .

Who else in the NL is???

2 Dollar Bill · #14 03-07-2008, 10:53 PM

Did the phillies get any weaker.? [ except that the closer is out for the start of the season ] ...and im sure the braves might be tougher this year. The mets will not have a cake walk thru there division..and your old manger is in Dodger Blue now....right ?

GBBob · #15 03-07-2008, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Santana has not proven that he can play a corner outfield position on days that he doesnt take the mound. Why pass up the best hitting left fielder of all time if all it takes is money? The last thing the Mets need is to start slow because they are playing triple A guys in left field and 1st base, 2 positions where you need offensive production.

Of course Petitte is ok because he said he was sorry?

Sorry to take this position, but does any part of you want to see his miserable as$ disappear or are you just playing GM?

2 Dollar Bill · #16 03-07-2008, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hickory Hill Hoff

Nice to have a RED SOX fan weigh in.....what's next, the "estreetposse" ganging up on the Ol' Hick!

Im just trying to keep you honest...

Hickory Hill Hoff · #17 03-07-2008, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2 Dollar Bill

Did the phillies get any weaker.? [ except that the closer is out for the start of the season ] ...and im sure the braves might be tougher this year. The mets will not have a cake walk thru there division..and your old manger is in Dodger Blue now....right ?

Yes, Joe is gone and it will be quite different in the Bronx.....but the Mets supposed to be the best the NL has to offer.....I have faith in them.

SniperSB23 · #18 03-07-2008, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hickory Hill Hoff

The last two years they hadn't started slow, why should they this year? There are plenty of other "good" players out there, Bonds isn't worth the baggage and he'll become the center of attention with the N.Y media. As far as Petitte, at least he admitted what he done....those other two are ego manics that never will. The Mets will be ok, they'll do better than thier Bronx counterparts this year......YES, I admit that!

Free agent LFs:
Barry Bonds
Terrence Long - hasn't played in MLB since 2006 when he hit .167
Eli Marrero - hasn't played in MLB since 2006 when he hit .204
Orlando Palmeiro - hit .233 with 0 HRs and a .262 SLG last year
Rondell White - hit .174 last year after hitting .246 in 2006
Preston Wilson - hit .219 last year and had season ending knee surgery

So where are all these other good players out there?

Hickory Hill Hoff · #19 03-07-2008, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SniperSB23

Free agent LFs:
Barry Bonds
Terrence Long - hasn't played in MLB since 2006 when he hit .167
Eli Marrero - hasn't played in MLB since 2006 when he hit .204
Orlando Palmeiro - hit .233 with 0 HRs and a .262 SLG last year
Rondell White - hit .174 last year after hitting .246 in 2006
Preston Wilson - hit .219 last year and had season ending knee surgery

So where are all these other good players out there?

Has it gotta be a free agent??? Like to hear from some of the Met fans here and see if they think it is dire straits with thier situation.

SniperSB23 · #20 03-07-2008, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hickory Hill Hoff

Has it gotta be a free agent??? Like to hear from some of the Met fans here and see if they think it is dire straits with thier situation.

Why give up a prospect when you can sign Bonds without losing anything? Making a trade for an established OF would be very difficult at this point in the year. I'm a Mets fan and really think signing Bonds makes a ton of sense. We'll be fine without him but we'll be better than fine with him.