The Biz of Baseball: Brown: Selling the Drama: Red Sox, Collusion, and Barry Bonds

And Maury adds..."When things get wacky, you know it’s nearly Opening Day.”

The other news yesterday was that MLB clubs are colluding to keep that evil Barry Bonds guy out of the game, and that the MLBPA is leading a crusade on behalf of Mr. Homerun King.

If that sounds over the top, well… blame headline writers.

Here’s the facts: the MLBPA gauges the free agent market every season. They’re always looking to see if there may be impropriety by way of collusion with the clubs. So, in other words, this is as much about Kenny Lofton, and Mike Piazza, as it is about Barry Lamar Bonds. And, let’s be honest, there are two sides to Bonds’ situation. Would he add pop to any lineup? Most certainly. We can argue whether he would be a liability in the field, but in terms of his offensive presence, he could certainly add value to most any team.

The big question is, how much is Bonds asking? And, is it worth it for the amount of baggage that comes with? Those two issues, alone, are worth casting a cautious eye on him, and saying, “We’ll pass.” Hey, if Barry is looking for the reported $10 million for a season (he made $16.4 million last season), is he really worth it? He may simply be pricing himself out of the market.

...So, please, please, please, get me to Opening Day. Every year, there’s drama to sell. A player wanting a contract. It’s the money, money, money. Granted, baseball is a business, but at least once the season has started, these stories go into the rearview mirror… until next season.