The Braves Should Sign Barry Bonds

Written by Colin on June 27, 2008 – 11:22 pm

Humor me.  For about five to seven minutes put aside all loyalty to Hammerin’ Hank (without a doubt a very classy individual) and hear me out.  The Braves should consider signing Barry Bonds for the remainder of the season.

The Braves are looking for power in the outfield - which makes sense given that Francoeur is struggling, Kotsay is still on rehab, and we’ve seen to much of Greg Norton playing left field for my taste.  The Braves need a boost in the lineup from another player - but at what cost would we trade for Jason Bay or Randy Winn?  We’d not only pay a few million but get rid of young talent.  So let’s set aside our dislike for the guy and talk business.  No bias.  Look at the numbers.  Think about the possibilities and results.

Pros:

  • Think of having Chipper/Tex/Bonds in the middle of the lineup.
  • $200,000 price tag for the rest of the year.  That’s the same thing we’ll pay Brent Lillibridge to be on the team.
  • No prospects have to be traded away.
  • We could probably expect 15-20 HRs, and Chipper and Tex would have a chance to make a killing.
  • Without a doubt the most offensive bang for the buck out there.  Bonds would justify keeping Teixeira and making a legitimate run at the World Series this year.

Cons

  • It’s Barry Bonds - there’s not much love for the man
  • This is Aaron city.  Atlanta is his town.
  • He has a reputation for being standoffish and not helping the chemistry of the team he plays with.
  • Barry has legal issues hanging over his head - currently having to do with allegedly lying to a grand jury about his alleged steroid use.

What do you think?  Would fans open their arms and accept Barry as a hired bat, an NL DH, if you will for the rest of the season?  Could he put himself aside and accept the fact that he wouldn’t be treated like a star, just another member of the team?  Would the team be able to have Barry on their side?  Would the Braves management even consider this?

If Barry came in to play for the Braves, it’d be a shot in the arm (pun intended) for the offense.  Is it worth it?


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