the Yankees “covered everything, including Bonds”

Well, Manny Ramirez also covered everything, including Julio Lugo

This story is old and has already been shot down.

This story is old and has already been shot down.

This story is one whole day old.

This story is old and has already been shot down.

So's your mom.

I'd rather they sign him than trade for Washburn and Vidro.

This story is one whole day old.

It's an exact repeat of the same type of thing earlier on with Tampa Bay and a few other teams: some members of the media are getting overly excited and creaming their jeans over essentially nothing.

There's no way Bonds could be any less valuable than Brett Gardner if they're both getting the league minimum. Unless Bonds is in a wheelchair, it's not possible to play defense badly enough to make up the offensive discrepancy.

There's no way Bonds could be any less valuable than Brett Gardner if they're both getting the league minimum. Unless Bonds is in a wheelchair, it's not possible to play defense badly enough to make up the offensive discrepancy.

Bonds would DH, Giambi would play first, Damon would play left.

I'd go so far as to say that if the Yankees signed Bonds they'd win the divison without much difficulty.

I'd go so far as to say that if the Yankees signed Bonds they'd win the divison without much difficulty.

I don't know about that. Boston has a 3 game lead and is getting Ortiz back tonight. Bonds would take some time (a week? a month?) to warm up and probably wouldn't put up numbers as good as last year (a year older, tougher league, a long time (for him) without playing the game). I do agree it would lock up the wild card.

I'd rather they sign him than trade for Washburn and Vidro.

If they trade for Washburn, I will be angry. If they include Vidro in the deal, I'd go apeshit. He's horrible. Horrible!

Bonds would DH, Giambi would play first, Damon would play left.

I'd go so far as to say that if the Yankees signed Bonds they'd win the divison without much difficulty.

Well, Damon has to get healthy enough to play left first. But let's say for sake of argument that Bonds needs 2 weeks to get ready and that's enough time for Damon's shoulder to heal. And let's also say the division standings stay more or less unchanged in those two weeks. While I would totally support the Yankees getting Bonds, I doubt he's enough for them to "win the divison without much difficulty."

Conservatively calling that a 5 game lead, they're currently 3 behind Tampa. That would mean outplaying the Rays by 8 games (and Sox by 7) over two months. That's a lot of games to overtake someone in a short period. Whoever wins the AL East--Bonds or no--is going to battle for it.

Re: #6
And if there's anything Joey B. doesn't like, it's when he sees someone repeating the same go-nowhere Barry Bonds blather, over and over and over.

I do agree it would lock up the wild card.

And save Fox and TBS the embarrassment of seeing Tampa Bay in October.

Just do it! This would actually give me a reason to like watching the Yankees!

This story is old and has already been shot down.

It's an exact repeat of the same type of thing earlier on with Tampa Bay and a few other teams: some members of the media are getting overly excited and creaming their jeans over essentially nothing.

Wrong, RFTA (hell, RTF excerpt given above). This is NOT that old story. That story was from around the All-Star Break, where Cashman said some coy-sounding things that caused a lot of people to speculate wildly. This is from yesterday, where Hank Steinbrenner explicitly confirmed that the option was being discussed. Does that mean it will actually happen? Of course not. But whereas the earlier report was really just rumor and speculation, this is actually a concrete story.

I wouldn't have submitted it otherwise.

If they trade for Washburn, I will be angry. If they include Vidro in the deal, I'd go apeshit. He's horrible. Horrible!

it all depends on what they give up to get them. If it's a reclamation project like Igawa, go for it. If it's a real prospect, no.

(I'm assuming they would only be taking Vidro to release him)

I'd support this. As a Yankee fan, I'm already a soulless creature animated by dark energy and orphan tears. Rooting for Bonds shouldn't hurt. Much.

I wouldn't have submitted it otherwise.

You and your fancy-pants principles.

I hope they sign him.

I hope they sign him.

Really? I thought you were anti-Bonds, obviously I'm mistaken.

I am anti-Bonds (very anti-Bonds) and yet I kind of hope they sign him too. Not because I want the Yankees (or Bonds) to succeed, but because...well, I want my villain back, darnit. If Manny beats up a few more septuagenarians then maybe I can psychologically transfer the "official bad guy" appellation to him.

Incidentally, I used to cordially loathe the Yankees (my dad is a lifelong fan and insufferable about them)...but now I consider the Red Sox and their (non-BTF) fans to be more offensive.

You gotta think this might be Bonds' only chance for all to be forgiven. The glory of pinstripes will wash away all of his transgressions in the eyes of the media.

Really? I thought you were anti-Bonds, obviously I'm mistaken.

Bonds cheated. Did steroids. I don't like that.

I used to love Bonds when he was on the Pirates. And, of much greater significance, I love the Yankees.

I used to love Bonds when he was on the Pirates. And, of much greater significance, I love the Yankees.

Makes sense, I never visited the steroids threads, so I'm only vaguely familiar with everyone's stances.

I'm torn in ten different directions. I don't particularly want him on the Yankees because of the baggage, but other than keeping him out of the Hall of Fame---which is a wholly separate issue---I don't like the idea of a blackball, formal or otherwise. I'd want him given the most comprehensive physical of all time to make sure he hasn't deteriorated since last October, and I'd test him for steroids every other day if need be. But beyond that, I'd leave it up to a closed meeting of the Yankee players. They're the ones who'd be having to deal with the issues, not me, and if they can handle it, so can I. I'd respect whatever choice they'd make.

SIGN HIM!!!!

I'd leave it up to a closed meeting of the Yankee players. They're the ones who'd be having to deal with the issues, not me, and if they can handle it, so can I.

Because we all know if there's one thing the Yankee organization would never tolerate...

(Feel free to replace the word "Yankee" in your mind with RedSoxOrioleRayBlueJayIndianTwinRoyalTigerWhiteSoxAsAngelRangerMariner...well, why continue and break the thread?)

“adding a player of that magnitude would be extremely premature.”

This sums up the collusion.

I wonder how kevin feels about all this?

Because we all know if there's one thing the Yankee organization would never tolerate...

I'm pretty sure what Andy meant was clear.

Watching Bonds hit game-winning HR after game-winning HR against the Red Sox, pissing into a cup, and pouring it all over bawling Kevin on national TV would make this the Best Season Ever.

I'm pretty sure what Andy meant was clear.

But what if he thought it was flaxseed?

This was shot down yesterday. But what the hell, I'll pretend it's new.


MY GOD! Bonds joining forces with Yankees! All we need now is for John Rocker to unretire and we will have a Baseball Legion of Doom! I mean, seriously, what's next Darth Steiny? Will you raise the zombies of Ty Cobb and Cap Anson from the grave? Perhaps Marty Bergen? I understand he could really murder the ball! The forces of evil are on the march! TO ARMS! TO ARMS!

...

Again, that's what I would have said if the story hadn't already been proved to be exaggerated.

I'd leave it up to a closed meeting of the Yankee players. They're the ones who'd be having to deal with the issues, not me, and if they can handle it, so can I.

Because we all know if there's one thing the Yankee organization would never tolerate...

Perhaps you're a mindreader about these things. I'm not. And perhaps you think that all distractions are created equal. I'd leave that up to the players to decide.

As a New Yorker and Yankees fan, I am already used to the rest of the U.S. hating/fearing my home and finding most of what I hold dear to be disgusting and/or elitist. In fact, I was flustered by that brief period after 9/11 when Nebraskans and other nice people from the heartland felt sympathy for NYC. It was kind of nice, but it confused me. Heck, I'm still confused by the crowds in matching t-shirts going to Times Square; I still expect it to be filled with porn shops.

And while I acknowledge that Bonds probably did steroids, so did Giambi, and that doesn't bother me. Not to mention Pettitte "trying" HGH. In other words, I already root for a team that is impure. So I say, why not sign Bonds? Other franchises may worry over the PR hit, but I contend that the Yankees can uniquely withstand signing Bonds -- Yankees fans will continue rooting for 'em, and the everyone else already thinks the team is evil incarnate. So let's try to win, and be entertaining while we're at it. It's just a game, people.

Plus, I am tired of Cubs fans moaning about how this is "their" year, and so I relish the thought of Bonds, in NYY pinstripes, hitting the Game 7 home run that denies the Cubs their precious World Series championship. (Okay, the Yankees may not be good enough to win the pennant even with Bonds, but still...)

MLB: Yankees considering signing Barry Bonds

In the parlance of the WWF, this would be known as an unholy alliance.

If there is justice in the world:

The Yankees sign Bonds

Bonds carries the Yankees on his back in the WS against Boston, and the Yankees eliminate the Sawx

Bonds is convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice.

That way- Bonds gets what coming to him- and so does Kevin.

One thing I'm somewhat surprised about is that we're all assuming Bonds will still be a major offensive force in 2008. I think it's entirely plausible he'll show up and merely be above average with some kind of .230/.380/.480 line, and unlikely but possible--the man is 43, after all--that he shows up and is just plain finished.

It's a unique situation, because you can sign any random old, strong-bat veteran for peanuts, find out he's finished, release him, no big deal. But when you're the Yankees, and the New York media's swarming around, and this is Barry Bonds... it's a risk of a real PR catastrophe for the team if Bonds shows up and sucks and the Yankees finish 2 games behind the Rays for the wild card or something.

I'd sign him, but I find it understandable, at least in the mindset of the risk-paranoid front offices of modern baseball, if they don't.

By the way, if Marty Bergen went nuts and killed his family and his self today, the Union still would file an appeal for him.

Bonds carries the Yankees on his back in the WS against Boston, and the Yankees eliminate the Sawx

The Yankees defying MLB and signing Bonds is an impossible fantasy dreamt about by some fans. A Yankees-Red Sox World Series is Fox/ESPN's.

I think it's entirely plausible he'll show up and merely be above average with some kind of .230/.380/.480 line,

That would pretty much make him NY's 3rd best hitter. Keep in mind that he's taking ABs away from Brett Gardner and Rich Sexson.

In fact, I was flustered by that brief period after 9/11 when Nebraskans and other nice people from the heartland felt sympathy for NYC. It was kind of nice, but it confused me. Heck, I'm still confused by the crowds in matching t-shirts going to Times Square; I still expect it to be filled with porn shops.

I had to laugh at that, and I know exactly what you mean. I've never been in a porn shop in my life and find them amusing at best and creepy at worst, but when I used to go to McGirr's on Eighth and 44th in the 70's, I always gave a silent blessing to all the porn shops, the hookers, the pimps and the monte men. They kept out the riffraff. They made Times Square safe for pool rooms, and I forgave them for any of the side effects.

Yeah, Good Face, that's why I'm happy to go ahead and sign him if I'm running the Yankees. It's just that two months of .230/.380/.480 isn't likely to be worth two wins over Brett Gardner. One win, perhaps. But hey, I'll take a win where I can get it, and it's always possible he can go .400/.500 again.

The Yankees defying MLB and signing Bonds is an impossible fantasy dreamt about by some fans. A Yankees-Red Sox World Series is Fox/ESPN's.

Yes, but is it too much to hope for to have the edit function last just a bit longer????

It's just that two months of .230/.380/.480 isn't likely to be worth two wins over Brett Gardner.

I kind of expect Gardner to hit something like .226/.282/.297

I doubt he'll be quite that bad; I figure him to be around the neighborhood of a replacement level outfielder. And .230/.380/.480 (just my example; those numbers don't mean anything) with no defense isn't worth much more than a win over replacement level over six weeks of play.

I really, really hope this happens. Bonds and A-Rod in an order just BEGS for Paul Bearer to replace Joe Girardi as the manager of the Yankees.

Now, where's the urn?

This story is old and has already been shot down.

You wish. This is go down as a poor prediction.

The story about the Yankees discuss Bonds is a trial balloon if I ever saw one. I'd say Bonds and the Yankees are passing the test. I'm sure the Yankees have informed MLB of their intentions and Bonds is working out now.

2008 World Series MVP Odds as of Today:

Bonds: 10-1 A-Rod: 25-1

Ha!

it's always possible he can go .400/.500 again

Again? The last time Bonds had an OPS below .900 was in the 80's. Except for a .999 in 06 he hasn't been below 1.000 since 91.
It's impossible to predict his performance considering the unique nature of the player, his age and his situation but I guess I'd put the over/under at around a .950 OPS personally.

If they include Vidro in the deal, I'd go apeshit.

Does it really matter if it is the Yankees who DFA Vidro, instead of Seattle?

Yanks supposedly traded for Nady and Marte, no word on who they gave up.

I'd go so far as to say that if the Yankees signed Bonds they'd win the divison without much difficulty.

*Spits out coffee in a burst of uncontrolled laughter*

With Nady moving, that means there's room back home for Barry Bonds to close out his career where it began!

Awesome. I hope the Pirates got at least two of those pitching prospects who are more valuable than Johan Santana.

Wrong, RFTA (hell, RTF excerpt given above). This is NOT that old story. That story was from around the All-Star Break, where Cashman said some coy-sounding things that caused a lot of people to speculate wildly. This is from yesterday, where Hank Steinbrenner explicitly confirmed that the option was being discussed. Does that mean it will actually happen? Of course not. But whereas the earlier report was really just rumor and speculation, this is actually a concrete story.

I wouldn't have submitted it otherwise.

I can understand why you submitted it, but this was a B.S. "story" manufactured by the pestering media, with their borderline psychotic Barry Bonds obsession. No doubt Steinbrenner and all the other owners and GMs would like to tell these media jagoffs to get a friggin' life, but they're trying to be diplomatic is all.

As I correctly noted yesterday, anyone who was creaming their jeans over this bit of "news" was doing so for nothing.

Yea this is a story.
Steinbritches already admitted signing him.

"no stoned unturned"

No doubt Steinbrenner and all the other owners and GMs would like to tell these media jagoffs to get a friggin' life, but they're trying to be diplomatic is all.

Hank Steinbrenner trying to be diplomatic? That sure as hell doesn't pass the smell test.

This is from Silver's latest BPro chat (this is previre week at BPro and caht is free anyway):

(Toronto): Does Bonds play this year?

Nate Silver: I really doubt it. I talked to an official from a team that might seem like a good fit for Bonds and was sort of laughed off -- I just don't know if it's in anybody's probability set.
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