Hank: Bonds is a topic
-
- July
- 24
Arrived in Boston to learn that Hammerin’ Hank wants to talk about Barry Bonds:
This from the AP:
Yankees officials gathered for high-level meetings at their spring training complex Thursday, a day off for the team before it begins an important three-game series at Boston.
Missing injured sluggers Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada, the Yankees plan to consider ways to improve the team for the stretch run before next Thursday’s trade deadline.
Co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner acknowledged he’d mention Barry Bonds, the indicted home run king who became a free agent when the San Francisco Giants did not bring him back.
“I’ll mention it. We’ll cover everything,” Steinbrenner said before the meetings began. “No stone will be left unturned.”
In addition to Hank Steinbrenner, his brother, co-chairman Hal Steinbrenner, president Randy Levine, general manager Brian Cashman and special adviser Gene Michael were among those at the meetings.
I’m sure this latest missive from Little Stein will be met with approval from those who think a rusty, one-dimensional 44-year-old PED abuser is just what the Yankees need. But unlike the Richie Sexson move, signing Bonds carries a lot of risk.
Bonds and his entourage would bring a circus atmosphere to a clubhouse that only recently has adjusted to a new manager, a rash of injuries and other changes. You have to wonder whether the Yankees are equipped to handle the myriad distractions Bonds will bring.
Hank provided a headline and in the end cooler heads will prevail. But he is a Steinbrenner, so you never know.
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on Thursday, July 24th, 2008 at 6:46 pm by Peter Abraham.
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Peter Abraham
I honestly don’t care what circus he brings, if the man helps us achieve number 27, bring him down.
Uh, yay yay!
Please, no. Bonds is 44 years old and hasn’t swung a bat in a real game in over a year. If we want to get a bat, fine, but I’d stay away from this clubhouse cancer and circus ring leader.
Honestly?
If Hank doesn’t say that, then Bonds has a case for collusion.
If the Yankees were really that serious about Bonds they would have signed him already.
They didn’t wait to sign Ponson or Sexson.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
There wouldn’t be an entourage, and Bonds would fit in fine with the clubhouse.
That’s not the issue. He would move the goalposts for Alex. While that might seem not to matter to Hank, it matters to the rest of the Yankees.
Did someone ask about Bonds? Or did he bring it up himself? I see this as one of those little bombshells he likes to drop every once in a while.
Is Hank a big game fisherman? He sure enjoys chumming the water.
You’re right about potential distractions, but how exactly is Bonds a “one-dimensional” player? What exactly is this one dimension, hitting for power? Getting on base? Creating runs? I guess Babe Ruth was two-dimensional because he could pitch.
It’s bogus to deny Bonds’ talents. Age 44 or not, the last season his OPS was under .999 was 1991.
If Posada does come back as a DH/1B, there’s not even room for Bonds. But Hank likes to toy with the media, so hopefully this is just another case.
It’s worth talking about. Before getting back to serious stuff.
NO MORE STEROID PLAYERS, HANK!!!
nnnnnnnooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!
I’m going to be optimistic and assume this is just Hank being an attention ho and there isnt actually a possibility it will happen. I’m not exxagerating in the slighest when I say I’d rather lose than ever have that fraud put on the storied pinstripes. What a colossal slap in the face it would be to the memory of the Babe and Maris. just…NO.
also, everyone always talks about the ghosts…well this would be the quickest way to piss them off, no? just sayin.
Peter, he’s just reminding the trade market of an option.
hes not coming in
Bonds would be more trouble then he’s worth with the circus he’d bring he’d do more harm than good and that’s assuming he can even still hit. Anyone who seriously wants Bonds, lacks a brain.
if yankees are going to sign bonds why would they get sexson
Washburn!
http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2008/07/yankees_talks_on_seattle_lefty.html
No to Bonds. MBTR has Melky on trading block again. This time for Washburn. Again, no way on Bonds. Let’s keep him away from A-Rod. Alex doesn’t need any asterisks next to his name.
Hank must have said it with a sly smirk. Nothing but a smokescreen for pending deals Cashman is working on and nothing more.
It’s not like the Yankees need to put rumps in seats or need another lefthanded DH.
Bonds is baggage galore and not in baseball shape.
The funny thing is that, with so many needs and so few chips, we might actually get a deal that works for us.
Still say there won’t be any blockbuster trades. You won’t even get a good catcher because they’re few and far between.
Ugh, I am so sick of the tired, old, “he’s a Steinbrenner, so you never know” nonsense. It’s not 1988 anymore and it has been a long time since Bhuner for Phelps, okay, so let it go. Name one “brash” move Hank has made? That’s right, none!! Secretly, the press hate the fact that the Yankees no longer operate in this manner b/c it gives them less material to work with, but the press feels the need to perpetuate the lie anyway in the desperate hope that Hank changes his tune. He won’t. If Hank was so brash, Johan would be in the Bronx, not Queens. Let it go, Peter, it is over and you are better than that.
He’d need two weeks at the most to be in MLB hitting shape….You can bet he’s been hitting and staying in shape waiting for the call that is highly unlikely to be placed……He’d make a big impact to the lineup, but Ican’t see the Yanks taking the PR hit…..I still hope that somehow they swing Matt Holliday if of course it doesn’t break Cashman’s kiddie bank……
manny sitting out tomorrow? manny cant hit heat
in more important news:
is Milton Bradley actually on the market?
I SAY AN ENTHUSIASTIC YES TO THIS!!
His issues are simple you put it into his contract that if he does any of a-z that hes gone and so is his money. You can give him incentives and all that jazz and he will be more tamed. This would be a big boost to our lineup, and I am all for it.
but I dunno anything, so just ignore me.
Anyone here play the beat the streak contest in mlb.com?
Yeah, I wouldn’t be surprised if this was a smokescreen. It looks like something may be getting closer to happening with Washburn. From MLBTR:
“5:36pm: According to Ed Price of the Newark Star-Ledger, talks have progressed on a possible Washburn-Yankees trade. Price says the Ms aren’t sold on Kei Igawa, but the Yankees are willing to discuss Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner”
Hmmm, this is interesting. I am part of the “Washburn can help the Yanks” crowd, but the deal doesn’t look as attractive if we can’t get rid od Igawa and his contract at the same time.
Also, now they want MLB talent? Didn’t it used to be second tier prospects?
I’d almost rather send Hughes and Austin Jackson to the Red Sox for Coco Crisp and Tim Wakefield - I’m obviously kidding but no…. Please no bonds
BBB - Igawas own mother isn’t sold on him lol. Giving up Melky would be ok but we’d have to make a second deal for an outfielder not named Bonds
Melky or Brett or Melky and Brett…b/c someone’s going to have to play in the outfield. Unless there is yet another mystery guest I’m not aware of who can
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=kurkjian_tim&id=3502239
Great story about the pine tar game.
Yankees will take Bonds if and a big *if* certain requirements are met.. and you wanna know what my magical crystal ball tells me? That we’ll take him for pennies on the dollar and if Barry wants to play ball as bad as he claims, he just may do it to continue his legacy.
Cabrera AND Gardner are not *both* going for Washburn, so don’t worry about that. remember, in the GM world 5 no’s equal one yes.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
Matt Holliday has been discussed Colorada does not want to meet in the middle, they are doing what B. Smith did with Santana.. over-shooting.
doesn’t mean there won’t be a last minute change of heart. More than likely it’s not going to happen.
again, ignore me.. I really have no source.
whats the difference between giambi and bonds right now? if bonds is sign that will take abs off giambi
@ Rebecca
“Honestly?
If Hank doesn’t say that, then Bonds has a case for collusion.”
Collusion is if the owners all got together and agreed none of them would sign Bonds. Hank would be perfectly fine to say “We are not even thinking about it” and he could give any reason he wants, or none at all. (well, besides saying that he isn’t considering it because he made a secret agreement with the other owners :p)
That being said, I wouldn’t make much of this comment.
Guys… the reason Bonds had so much baggage is because he played on terrible Giants’ teams these past few years and he was the only story.
Same reason he was probably disgruntled and a perceived “cancer”. Put him on a winning team in the middle of a pennant race, surrounded by All-stars, and the Yankee aura and the baggage will be alleviated from him. Arod and Jeter are great friends with him too.
We’ve signed reclamation projects before. He is desperate for a job and will be on his best behavior. He knows we won’t tolerate any BS. And is the media distraction really a big deal? I doubt the players care, they have been through this before.
You act like Bonds is a bad hitter. Its not like we’re going out and signing Sidney Ponson or anything.
Oops, already did that.
Its funny how the ad on top of this page said “Barry Bonds Ringtone”
I might be the lone voice in this, but I’d rather part with Gardner than Melky.
Both have great arms in the outfield, but Melky has occasional, if rare, power.
Gardner doesn’t.
the Washbum trade stunk yesterday and it looks even worse now.
On the bonds front, people have nothing to talk, write, and blog about.. no chance.
I have to think Cashman is ay to smart for Washbum, I know 1/2 the yankee fan base is clinically brain dead to think this is an upgrade and a wise move..
It is as wise as Ken Phelps for Buhner.. For 1/2 of you mental midgets ask your dads about that trade…….
Actually bringing in Bonds and his media circus might deflect some of the pressure on the other guys.
We all know Bonds can perform under pressure.
Agreed, heck no to trading Melky and Gardner. Who the heck plays center than?
I’d only agree to the trade if we got rid of the Kei man.
Check out ESPN MLB today…a writers lists what the Rockies and Pirates GMs are asking for their players. They want premium players and top prospects. They are shooting for the moon.
The Yanks aren’t signing an indicted player.
its not a sure thing if this was barry 5 years ago even with the steriod stuff sure i take him
What’s really funny is that there is a lot of ‘unmentioned’ moves being discussed with multiple clubs. Some that would scare the pants off the ghost of Babe Ruth.
Here is what I don’t get about the yankees and bonds. For $200k, the yanks could sign barry, and try him out. If it doesn’t go well, write the $200,000 check and be done with him. For a team that overspends, this is pocket change for Hank. Plus, since Hank inherited all this, really, who cares. Spend daddys money big guy.
-Ronnie
WWW.INGAMENOW.COM
No one knows what Bonds has left in the tank. It is a pointless discussion because no MLB team is signing Bonds. None.
OR
does bonds come with his experience handling everything and takes care of the tabloid drama for the team. freeing up Arod from any distractions?
“I might be the lone voice in this, but I’d rather part with Gardner than Melky.
Both have great arms in the outfield”
Gardner doesnt have a great arm his arm is average
Yanks still aren’t gonna sign a player who is under indictment.
Welcome back, SJ!!! The board missed your posts.
“We all know Bonds can perform under pressure.”
But can he hit in the clutch? That’s all that matters to Yankees’ fans.
Bonds can perform under pressure? How did he do in the World Series when he finally made it?
ortiz is back drew might return to his old self
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. If Bonds is a Yankee, I’m no longer a Yankee fan. He will put a stain on the pinstripes that they will never be able to remove.
i would welcome Bonds before he took PEDs. NO TO THE BUFF UP BONDS!
Fleas, if you know something, tell us what you know.
Otherwise, don’t hint at something and not mention what it is. It makes you look like a censored.
He’ll bring a Circus to what is already known as the Bronx Zoo? Who cares.
Laura,
that is not right its not like bonds the only guy taking roids, giambi took it, andy pettite did it
why don’t we throw in betances also for washbum?????After all Washbum may be league avg. and those guys are really hard to find…
so let’s trade either our everyday 24 yr old CF who has been in the majors for about 3 yrs. or a speedy OF who dominated in AAA, pus another prospect to dump a $4 mill a yr contract for a guy who stink The guy we are getting will make 10 mill next yr. and will only block the progression of other young pitchers.
sounds like you guys should become the mariners GM, you are all as smart as bavasi…..
the insanity is unbelievable….
only yankee fans look at other teams garbage like it is gold and look at yankee coal(prospects) like it can never be a diamond>>>>>>
I think that dismissing Bonds with the “Circus” argument is simplistic and a disservice.
He would be on a minimum salary deal and could be cut at any time. He clearly wants to play and desperately wants to play in the postseason.
He would be on his best behavior. Bonds is an egomaniac, but not an idiot.
I can’t see how you can argue that adding his bat at DH does not make the Yankees a better team. And it costs next to no money and no prospects.
We lost Matsui and Posada - time to re-think our assumptions.
This is a no risk, big upside move. It should be done today.
Damon (LF)
Jeter (SS)
Giambi/Sexson (1B)
A-Rod (3B)
Cano (2B)
Bonds (DH)
Cabrera (CF)
Abreau (RF)
Molina (C)
That is a pretty scary lineup. And with decent starting pitching and a good bullpen, I think that we can catch the Rays for the wildcard and maybe even challenge for the division depending on the Sox health.
last year we bought clemens back he was linked to roids too no one disagree
Some of you don’t seem to get the part about Bonds being under indictment.
I think you have to go on the premise that Wang is not coming back ( contrary to wishful & hopeful thoughts ) as his foot is still in a boot….Hughes could be ready by late August, but as much as I’m a big supporter he’s better served staying in AAA and finish rehabing and then play in one of the Fall’s Instructional leagues…..So that leaves the need to acquire a starter & Washburn would be a nice pickup….Club still needs to resolve the outfield RH hitting problem….I doubt we’re going to see anything big as the team seems to have dislodged itself from the muck that it’s been stuck in for the past 3 months……Minor pieces I suspect……
Gardner or Melky for Washburn? Then pass. Have been in favor of Washburn from the start, however let us move to internal options. Don’t need him.
how about Bonds being 44, and he cannot move and has not played in mONTHS????
Why these ad nauseum arguements over BS???????
They are not getting Bonds, MORONS….
Regarding the steroids thing::
1) we have Giambi, who is now a hero
2) we have A-Rod who cheated on his wife and now may be a part of a cult.
I think that the days of Joe Dimaggio (who was no saint) and the Mick (err also not a saint) are gone.
Let’s get real guys - the Yanks are not and never have been a bunch of saints. David Cone exposed himself to a bunch of women in the bullpen and he is a Yankee hero. Why? He won in the postseason.
You want to root for all good guys? Go watch the Benedictine monk soccer league.
“Damon (LF)
Jeter (SS)
Giambi/Sexson (1B)
A-Rod (3B)
Cano (2B)
Bonds (DH)
Cabrera (CF)
Abreau (RF)
Molina (C)”
even if bonds signed that will not be the lineup first of all why would abreu be batting 8th? giardi will never do that
Damon (LF)
Jeter (SS)
Abreau (RF)
A-Rod (3B)
Bonds (DH
Giambi/Sexson (1B)
Cano (2B)
Molina (C)
Cabrera (CF)
I wonder if this is some deflection away from the preceived needs of the club along with all the Posada DHing talk.
By the Yankees mentioning Bonds, it lets other clubs know that there are options for the Yankees. Aside from Posada, Bonds could be brought in. It lessens the need that the Yankees have to deal with a particular club.
All this is to keep from being fleeced for a deal because of desperation. The Yankees are not desperate and talking about Bonds gives another alternative the Yankees could take.
I don’t think that Bonds will be playing in the club any more than I believe that Posada will forego surgery and jeopardize part of next season, or even his career.
That doesn’t mean it can’t happen. I just don’t think its likely to happen.
Bonds is innocent until proven guilty. If he did a bad thing it was
1) the same thing Giambi did and
2) the same thing Bill Clinton did (lie) and Bill made it through 8 years of the presidency - all we’re asking is 3 months, maybe 200 at bats.
All Hank was doing was telling the market, he’d be okay with Bonds. He wouldn’t but they’re trying to drive deals to where they are acceptable.
matthew: thank you, for the aspiring speech.
the fact remains: We don’t want Bonds.
Without SJ, the collective baseball IQ of this board drops significantly.
Giambi didn’t get indicted. Bill Clinton cannot currently effect the franchise value of the Yanks.
Bonds is trash! Heck no to him!
Well, I think the Yankees are one of the few teams that could handle the Barry Bonds circus.
With that being said, I don’t want that circus near my team. No Bonds.
Your point about him being 44 and hasn’t played illustrates a lack of understanding of decision-making calculus.
You don’t make a decision to play someone at a later date based on the probable outcome TODAY. You make it based on the probable outcome at that point in time.
If we sign him, he plays at AA and can’t hit, we are out $50,000. He never plays for the Yanks.
If he is good at AAA, you give him 20 atbats in the bigs. If it works out, great, if not, cut him.
Downside - almost nonexistant. Upside - huge.
Again - this is a no-brainer.
Was there an SJ sighting…..Rather interesting observation during his sabatical……Many of those who rag him were the very ones who started to wonder of his where abouts….Personally, I do hope he pops up soon, his return along with CB’s return will certainly add some zest ( and baseball savy insights) down the stretch……
We are desperate - the fact that we are considering losing Jorge for 2-3 months next year so he can DH at 750 OPS shows how desperate we are.
If we sign Bonds and he looks ok - you put Jorge under the knife immediately.
I hope the Yankees aren’t seriously considering this. Why would they give Bonds a chance to set the all time HR bar even higher when they just signed A-Rod to a long, expensive contract hoping he will beat the record towards the end of it?
If they do sign him I would hate to root for him, but as a fan I wouldn’t have a choice but hope his come back is a succesful one. It’s all about # 27 in the end after all right?
Pete,
I’m sorry but why do you and other members of the media insist Bonds will be allowed to bring his entourage with him?
There isn’t a chance in Hell that he’d be allowed to bring anything other than his bat and gloves with him (and his hat in hand) if he walked into the Yankee clubhouse with Jeter, Mo, Arod, etc.
In fact, I think being surrounded by such great players would humble the man a bit. He just wants to play and he’s no different than any other PED using athlete who was named or not named.
If the Yankees in the locker room are okay with bringing him in, then it’s fine with me and it should be fine with everyone else in the media.
But this whole idea that Bonds is going to show up with 25 people and a barca-lounger in tow is just foolish speculation.
Downside: huge public relations problem.
SJ is one of the few people worth skimming the comments on this blog for.
I think Matt Cohen is a PR rep for Bonds.. The guy is a CANCER…He is old and they have about 6 DH’s already.
Giambi and Bonds are apples and oranges.. Have you heard of the word contrite, sorry, humility, Bonds hasn’t.
IT ain’t happening mr cohen, wont to lay a wager on it??????????
but no let’s talk about BS for 7 more days…….Yeah the owners used bonds, yeah there were many cheaters, but Bonds is still a mega dick…….
id give them gardner for washburn, i think he’s a 4a player who’s best shot will be with an n.l. team. if the M’s want him for a back of rotation lefty, im all for it.
and people think Arod got it bad.. can you imagine how Bonds would get it?
Read “Game of Shadows” and all will be understood. Bonds has been nasty to everyone around him his whole life. His college team voted him out and wanted nothing to do with him. Matthew, wake up.
T’will be interesting.
“that is not right its not like bonds the only guy taking roids, giambi took it, andy pettite did it”
Giambi and Pettite are likable guys who, once caught, admitted what they did. Bonds acts like he’s insulted that people say that he did ‘roids even though his head is the size of a small garage. He’s a first class jerk who brings nothing to the table that we need.
The villification of Bonds, who admittedly is kind of a jerk, underscores the hypocrisy of MLB and the media. It’s clear that there is a majority who juiced; why else are the power numbers down??
The president cheated to become re-elected; welcome to our world.
Bonds has very little in common with …. Mike Mussina, and perhaps a select other few. As for the balance of players, well….
I don’t particularly want Bonds, because of all the B.S. it will rain down, not to mention the phony moralist columnists one will be inundated with…but it’s almost amusing to me, and I think I’d laugh at Hank’s spitting at that phony morality if we actually do this…
Practically? Bonds would have a torrid romance with the short porch… even at 44, because he is a one-of-a-kind talent.
Not sure I am understanding what you are saying there Y’s Guy. Who is the AAAA player? The M’s are AL not NL. Gardner isn’t a pitcher for the back of their rotation, unless he is another Tony Pena Jr.
giambi and bonds couldnt be different. giambi is a great teammate who plays with alot of enthusiasm and talks with reporters whenever they want him. Bonds is surly, hates the media, is heavily disliked as a teammate and is only into himself.
there’s no comparison, one’s a great teammate, and the other one is a lout.
i think what we can take from this news is that we will Never see bonds.
this is like someone already said either a negotiation tactic with some team or a hank looking for some press.
Only a complete moron would think the Yankees would really sign Bonds. A complete moron.
I agree with my namesake.
rebecca, re: melky and gardner as trade bait
gardner also only has 56 major league at bats and could develop further. i’m in the campt that mekly pretty much is what he is at this point
Rebecca, your just not worthy. Sorry.
Didn’t Giambi and Bonds have a falling out during the winter of Balco…..As for Bonds, that dog don’t hunt in The Bronx…..Or however that saying goes…..Say no to Bonds, its far fetched anyway….Isn’t it ???
He’s not an option. They dont need one more, one-dimensional DH.
if you read the nj.com story that MLBTR references, it says “Brett Gardner or Melky Cabrera could be discussed”. Not both.
http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2008/07/yankees_talks_on_seattle_lefty.html
Bonds is not coming here. These journalist are just giving Hank the press he wants by talking about something that will never happne.
If you read the nj.com story that MLBTR references, it says Melky OR Gardner could be discussed…not both.
Okay, the Yankees are not signing Bonds, period. I was disgusted to read that he is a “topic” because even the mere thought of him being on the Yankees is appalling. But it will not really happen. Just a disturbing thought, thats all.
And I find it absolutely laughable that anyone with common sense would compare A-Rod cheating on his wife to what that SOB Bonds has done to the game of baseball. If you think Alex is the only player to cheat on his wife, then lol at you. But I do think there’s only one player who has fradulently broken the most hallowed record in the history of sports.
someone please explain how he will bring a media “circus.” If this were a small-market team, I would understand it. But it’s New York. The press is all over the Yankees as it is. ARod is on the cover of the NY Post every day. It’s a non-stop media circus right now. Any additional press coverage would be marginal.
It’s like what Jerry Seinfeld said in the first Seinfeld episode about over-drying clothes:
JERRY: Same as you can’t “overwet”. You see, once something is wet, it’s wet. Same thing with dead: like once you die you’re dead, right? Let’s say you drop dead and I shoot you: you’re not gonna die again, you’re already dead. You can’t “overdie”, you can’t “overdry”.
Bonds could help this team I mean look at he’s numbers.But he is a HGH user and he would cause HAVOC in the clubhouse.
But to many people here keep talking about Bonds as this ubersteroid user.
Remember Giambi and Pettitte are HGH users too and everybody here loves them(both should be let go next year,they are not irreplabable) so lets remember we have HGH users too.
I bet if Bonds hit 20 homeruns people would be quiet.So lets get Nady and Washburn.
Fleas, that’s your problem, not mine.
“Irreplaceable”
Fleas just needs attention.
again crack talent evaluators.. gardner is done he has failed he is hitting 165 with 7 rbi’s with 60 ab’s.. with the 5 for 5 SB’s or the good results in the minors over the last 2 or 3 yrs.
he is washed up at 24 trade him for another older, regressing , over paid, piece of Cr-p.
why keep a 24 yr old guy with UPSIDE, yankee fans do not understand that word, and hate anyone under 34 or so…..
also 60 AB’s is a lot, you can tell everything in 60 AB’s… Ask Jay Bruce he hit 380 in his first 60 AB’s, how is he doing???Looks like he had a reality check.. Remember Pedroias first 60 + AB’s last yr.??????
As far as stuff that actually might happen….
The problem with trading Melky or Gardner is, which one do you trade? Melky is more proven at the MLB level, and is starting to hit now. but if Gardner pans out, lets say as a 4th OF, then he is more valuable than Melky. But he isn’t hitting a lick right now, and his tools may never translate at the MLB level.
Plus it goes w/o saying that if we trade one of them, then we definitely have to get an OF bat. If we were to trade Melky and the guy we get is less than a Nady type, aren’t we still left where we started, with not enough in the OF?
Someone mentioned not assuming Wang would be back this year, which I agree with. It’s why I think we really need a SP and want to get Washburn, but this is starting to be a lot of trouble to go to for taking on a salary dump in return.
If they could just take Vidro and buy him out for 500K & then DFA him rather than include Melky or Brett, why don’t they just do that? Especially while getting rid of Kei at the same time…
“Anyone who seriously wants Bonds, lacks a brain.”
Unless the Scarecrow has gone on the record about Bonds, I’m not sure if this is correct.
Rebecca (and gayle, who made the same point earlier), I don’t think that ‘collusion’ has anything to do with Hank’s comments. The Yankees are under no obligation, as far as I know, to publically say that they would discuss signing Barry Bonds.
As I wrote earlier, if Hank had said “No way we would sign Bonds, that guy is older than dirt and even older than Livan!”, that in itself would not bolster any collusion charge. It would also be incorrect, since Livan is the oldest living witness to the Spanish Inquisition.
If Hank said “No way we’re signing Bonds, the other owners all agreed not to touch him” — that would be a different story.
Bonds is a Grade A jerk, but this team isn’t built on player chemistry. Yes, it would be a media circus, but I don’t think that would necessarily be much on an on-the-field factor. Maybe it would even give them something to rally around?
I also discount the notion that the Yanks wouldn’t sign Bonds because that moves the goalposts for Arod 6 or 7 years down the line. That argument assumes that Bonds would be hitting a significant number of home runs, which would be helping the team. The Yanks will sacrifice team success for someone’s individual (and inevitable) stats?
Also, one would hope that Arod would want whatever gave the team the best chance to win in 2008, even if that meant a small delay in his record-setting home run some time in 2013 or so.
Having said that, I would be surprised if the Yankees had the guts to sign him (nor am I convinced they should). He’s not just the spokesmodel for the steroid era, he’s also a liar about it. Bad, bad mojo?
Washbum stinks, he is marginally better then Rasner at best..
Say it all 10 times Washbum stinks, has a big contract, and is at best a 5th starter for any good team..
he also is signed for $10 large ones next yr.. and that is real cash.. Accountants out there $4 mill is less then $10 mill. $4 mill may be moveable $10 mill. for a bum is not movable unless you are fools………
Please, do not compare Pedroia with Gardner. In the minors Pedroia had a .308 BA , a .454 slug % and an .845 OPS compared to Gardner’s .288, .353 and .773.
I hate the Sox more than 99% of the people who walk this planet,but I would never say Brett Gardner has or ever will hit as well as Pedroia.
The George King unsubstantiated rumor this morning might be the best deal of all for the Yanks.
He said the Dodgers were interested in Cano and might consider a Lowe/Matt Kemp deal for Cano.
First off, I would jump on that deal right now if there was any truth to it.
Kemp is going to be a star in this league for years and Lowe’s contract expires at the end of 2008 - unlike Washburn - who would have another year remaining on his deal.
But the Yanks have to think about the future too - not just 2008. Kemp will be 24 years old in September and the Yanks will have to replace three everyday outfielders within the next 18 months with Damon, Abreu, and Matsui all gone and either Melky or Gardner probably gone as well.
Just think, the Yanks could potentially have 2/3 of their outfield comprised of Austin Jackson and Matt Kemp in 2010. A very young and fast outfield, especially if Gardner or Melky is still around.
I know the Yanks would have a void at 2B with Cano gone - but the Yanks would have to replace one Second Baseman over the next 18 months.
They are going to have to replace 3 outfielders in a terrible market for outfielders. That is no easy feat.
Considering the market these days with guys like Bay and Holliday demanding a king’s ransom, this might be one of the best moves the Yanks could make over the next few years and really put them in a good position for the future.
All in all, I’d love to see it happen. But my guess is that George King pulled this rumor out of his arse and there’s likely no inkling of truth to it whatsoever.
I say go for it. I would think the Yankees would be able to include something in the contract that would limit the size of Barry’s entourage. He could turn out to be a tremendous boost. And if it turns out that he is a distraction, or just can’t hit anymore, he could be released.
I know I’m going to get crucified for asking this, but why take on Washburn’s contract (which make it more difficult to move him out of the rotation if PH does resurect himself next year) when there have been notices that Pavano might be ready to help the back end of the rotation in early August? Is Pavano any kind of an option?
(Sorry for all of the religious terms. Not meant in any other way)
Pitiful people, who don’t know that CANO is going to be a star in this league for years to come. He’s the best pure hitter to come out of our organization since Don Mattingly, and has similar fielding hands. If you can’t see that, you’re a dolt. Fortunately, the GM sees that.
Here is how the conversatrion went:
So what are the outfield options out there??
Cash goes on to say Nady they want x, y, z: Bay they want x, y, z we can do this trade with this player , we have these options already on the team
Hank says what about Bonds
Cash and Hal say not gonna happen, goes onto explain all the downside as well as whatever upside there is
Hank says ok ok next at least I can tell the fans and media that we discussed everything and didnt rule out any options.
Now that Fleas is back posting his there is a big deal coming but I cant tell you nonsense. You know it has been a real pleasure not having to deal with the Anti Mussina. Moose has more than tripled what he predicted Moose would do this year.
From today’s LA Times about Matt Kemp:
“The trading deadline looms, and those who think Kemp doesn’t work as hard as he should and who believe he’s a bad influence on the other young players contend the Dodgers and the locker room would be much improved if they could use him in making a significant deal.”
Gee, maybe we could get both Kemp and Barry Bonds. If we want an All Jerk Team we could even trade for Manny Ramirez too.
He isnt Fully Italian… I wouldnt call Giambi Italian… Us Italians take a lot of pride in being who we are… Also, Washburn to the Yanks will happen like I said for the 100th time… So whoever doesnt like it deal with it. ALSO STOP THE GARBAGE THAT RASNER IS BETTER THEN WASHBURN lmao… wow…. were you guys get this stuff from is amazing!
Drive
“Gee, maybe we could get both Kemp and Barry Bonds. If we want an All Jerk Team we could even trade for Manny Ramirez too.”
No. They are the nucleus for the MLB expansion team going in to Las Vegas.
ian: hopefully we get Rocco Baldelli, next year. He is italian, too.
yes. Italians don’t name their children, jason.
back bench,
Is A J Pierzinski the catcher? lol
NO TO BONDS
“CANO is going to be a star in this league for years to come”
Haaa!! LOL
- the only real black man latroy hawkins is going to be sent down
- refusing to sign bonds to a minumum deal because of “distractions”
- torre racist to sheffield
hmmmmm
The Yanks have, in some respects, overachieved this season.
They’ve lost Posada and Matsui for most of the year; ditto Wang. Jeter’s been playing hurt since Daniel Cabrera plunked him in early Spring. ARod, the reigning MVP, missed a few weeks with his quad; Damon on the DL; Bruney and Albaladejo - two guys who you counted on for bigtime BP duty - on the DL for most of the year. Hughes and IPK not performing at all as hoped for. And they’re relying on guys off the scrap heap and indy leagues.
And not one word in the press about discord in the clubhouse.
The fact that they’re making a run at it is really amazing. For all the grief that Joe Girardi has gotten, he and his staff (esp. Dave Eiland with the pitchers, esp BP) deserve a lot of credit.
And to this overachieving bunch, we want to add a 40-something year old, former (we think) drug abusing player who’s body is breaking down, whose best days are behind him,who hasn’t faced live pitching in how long, is a consensus jerk and has an ego the reported size of Texas? With no track record of similar athletes producing without benefit of said drugs? And we’re justifying it by saying that the Yanks did it with Roger Clemens last year - like that worked out well?
And who is under indictment.
If anyone thought ARod created a circus, they ain’t seen nothing yet.
I vote no.
ian: don’t talk about sheffield. That is my boyy.
In the only game tonight that can directly affect the Yankees, K.C. leads the Rays 1-0, bottom of 2nd.
What’s funny about that? Cano is already one of the best 2B in the MLB, and he’s not even in his prime. He’s been awesome defensively, and now his bat is hot.
a circus is actually entertaining
you look at how Bonds hit well last year, and that he costs nothing, and it is a no-brainer to get him and try him out.
the Yankees need some depth.
if Matsui/Posada are indeed out & Giambi gets dinged, who hits after Damon/Jeter/Abreu/A-Rod/Cano? Sexson/Betemit as the #6 hitter is kind of scary.
so what’s riskier: the supposed risk of losing games because of Bonds’ personality brings, or the risk of losing games because you don’t score enough runs?
LaTroy Hawkins, who by all accounts is a fantastic human being and a great team mate, is on his way out because he’s allowed 59 baserunners in only 41 innings and has an ERA of 5.71
The Yankees are not going to sign Barry Bonds because he’s 44 years old, hasn’t picked up a bat in a year and could be hauled out of the clubhouse and into a courtroom at any time.
A 50 year old bonds would still hit 40 homeruns in yankee stadium.
if the yankees sign bonds there should be a clause where he rats out on some redsox players including big papi.
By the way Stuart - last string you commented on the comparison of Gardner to Gathright with the point that Gardner had a .400 OBP in AAA and Gathright never has.
You know, it’s really easy to fact check now that there’s this thing called the Internet - perhaps you should investigte that.
Gathright’s last season in AAA, 2007, he had OBP of .457. Only a 1/2 season, 223 AB’s. Can that be compared to Gardner’s .412 in 282 AB’s this year? Just thought you should know. By the way, Gathright is a useful 4th OF too.
Could you perhaps take the emotion level of your posts down a notch? It’s not that I disagree with everything you say, it just bugs the crap out of me when people call others morons when defending their own opinions. Good advice for others here too.
“A 50 year old bonds would still hit 40 homeruns in yankee stadium.”
yea if he takes roids again
Pete,
Let’s see, the Yankees get Brett Farve and the Jets get Barry Bonds. Did I get that right?
Hank loves to play you guys on an off day. Take yourselves more seriously and don’t report nonsense as fact.
hey BONDS TAKE MEDIA PRESSURE OFF AROD THAT is SOMETHING WE NEED
Who’s on first.
What’s on second.
I Don’t Know’s on third.
But I do know this, Bonds will not now, or ever be a Yankee!!
what a boring baseball night we are here talking about BOnds…
Sheffield is an idiot. He changes his temper and mind every other day depending on which way the wind blows.
again… someone please explain how he will bring a media “circus.” If this were a small-market team, I would understand it. But it’s New York. The press is all over the Yankees as it is. ARod is on the cover of the NY Post every day. It’s a non-stop media circus right now. Any additional press coverage would be marginal.
I HAAAAATE Bonds. But, I would rather win a WS with Bonds than watch the Red Sox win again.
“…and could be hauled out of the clubhouse and into a courtroom at any time.”
His trial date is set for next spring, so I don’t think this is one of the valid reasons to really oppose a Bonds signing.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/07242008/gossip/pagesix/a_rod_shops_121229.htm
Can someone tell me how Alex could have been in LA when the Yankees were never out there?
Dejesus is having a petty good year for a leadoff man 10 HR 51 Rbi
Another reason Bonds will never play: A lab in Virginia is reporting that they have developed a blood test for HGH.
Cano for Matt Kemp. Kemp averages a strikeout about 1 in 3-4 AB’s. Lowe is a 36yo FA. Who plays second? Who plays first,sorry.
By the wya Stuart - I don’t wwant Washburn, and think trading Melky or Gardner for him should scotch the deal. But I didn’t want him when the price was Igawa and a B prospect, either.
jennifer- I got your back Girardi
you realize that he probably didnt stay in nyc after the AS game right?
he also has a charter jet.
when you are rich you can go anywhere anytime.
“you realize that he probably didnt stay in nyc after the AS game right? he also has a charter jet. when you are rich you can go anywhere anytime.”
It’s Page 6, do you realy trust their definition of recently. It could have been two months ago.
I guess that would be the only time. I know when you are rich you can go anywhere any time, but it isn’t exactly a hop skip and jump away. That is a 6 hour flight.
“But I didn’t want him when the price was Igawa and a B prospect, either.”
Well isn’t Igawa a C-level guy? AAAA at best?
burney back this weekend
jennifer
The better question is why does he need 41 sweaters?
“burney back this weekend”
Bruney gave up three hits in an inning today. Dude needs more time. He was hot before he got hurt but maybe that was a fluke. He was throwing gas and he’s not even close to that velocity right now.
Cano for Matt Kemp. Kemp averages a strikeout about 1 in 3-4 AB’s.
So does Grady Sizemore. And he’s been a more productive player than Cano the last couple of years.
Kemp is 23 years old. His plate discipline will get better.
Starting a rumor.
Seattle has Ibanez a FA, not likely to come back, leaving Jeremy Reed and Willie Bloomquist and an unhappy Ichiro in the outfield. Could this talk about Melky and/or Gardner for Washburn, mean Seattle is picking up a decent chunk of Washburn’s salary, or could this be the start of an expanded trade with Seattle to include Ichiro.
Ichiro at 34 is more valuable to the Yankees through the rest of his contract, than Abreu at 34, who should not be resigned, and in fact would like to see him traded for prospects if we got Ichiro.
Could be wishful thinking, but Seattle is such a bad team, that Ichiro will not finish his career there.
IPK dealing tonight for SWB.
Gil Meche is dealing
i rather give IPK a shot rather than washburn. If reports are correct he wants a extension to wavier his no trade clause plus he has 1 more year left of this contract what are we going to do with him next year and the following year?
Guiseppe-
Do your math-Sizemore 60 SO’s/386 AB’s
Matt Kemp 108 SO’s/366 AB’s. Not even close.
Don’t want Kemp for Cano, but I would take Sizemore. Look up the stats next time.
Vote: Sizemore or Matt Kemp for Cano?
if cash got us ich i would never stop grinning.
“Vote: Sizemore or Matt Kemp for Cano?”
No vote, you think Mark Shapiro is an ahole. Every teenage girl and other Indian fans within 500 miles of Jacobs Field would riot if Sizemore’s name is even mentioned. Way to pull a name out of a hat. I agree Kemp isn’t a guy who would fit in. Last time I checked we try to work to knock out the starter and get to the pen. Kemp swings and misses way too much. It will catch up to him much like Frenchy in Hotlanta.
enough with Ichiro, that’s just stupid. he ain’t going anywhere
Just messing around but if IPK throws a no-hitter does it give him a shot in the Bronx soon?
4-0 KC 3 games back soon
I will stop watching the yankees. I’ll default on the rest of my saturday tickets, delete YES off my programmed-channels on my TV, and mute the sportscenter whenever the yankees come up. So save this e-mail address, cause if Bonds gets signed … I’ve got some cheap Saturday left-field bleacher seats for sale.
Would Barry Bonds look good in Yankees pinstripes?
by The Star-Ledger Sports Desk
Thursday July 24, 2008, 9:19 PM
If you’re envisioning Barry Bonds in pinstripes, you’re dreaming.
Despite comments made by Yankees co-chairperson Hank Steinbrenner to The Associated Press Thursday that the unemployed home run king came up in discussion at high-level meetings Thursday in Tampa, Fla., the team has made it clear recently that it has no interest in signing the unemployed home run king.
Star-Ledger Yankees beat writer Ed Price reported earlier Thursday: If Hank Steinbrenner does indeed bring up Bonds’ name, it will probably get shot down by the baseball people. Last week, after a Website erroneously reported the Yankees were in negotiations to sign Bonds, a member of the New York front office responded by saying, “It’s all (bull).”
But what do you think the Yankees should do?
In a story published in July 15’s edition of The Star-Ledger, Price reported:
As for unsigned all-time home run leader Barry Bonds, (Yankees GM Brian) Cashman said, “I would say any speculation on us being interested in a player of that magnitude would be extremely premature.”
Agent Jeff Borris said recent rumors of teams having interest in Bonds are not true.
“I don’t bring up his name any more to clubs,” Borris said yesterday at the Grand Hyatt, “and clubs don’t bring up his name to me any more.
“I offered him at the league minimum — $390,000 — to numerous clubs. And not one of them would take him. If that doesn’t create a level of suspicion, I don’t know what does. How could a guy who was a National League All-Star last year not have a chance to put on a uniform in 2008? He’s completely healthy. Everyone knows that his trial date is not until March 2009. … I think it’s a pathetic ending to this story.”
Three days later, when the Yankees’ acquisition of Richie Sexson became public, a Yankees official who asked not to be identified reiterated that the team had no interest in Bonds.
TL-
Missed the point -which is Matt Kemp is no Grady Sizemore who is an all star for years to come, and I agree the Indians would be crazy to give him up.
Honestly, I’ve dealt with the lack of concern over character in the Yankees organization, but Bonds would be the last straw. The “whatever it takes” attitude is something that should be felt within the clubhouse. It’s not something you can buy. A-Rod has proven that every post-season.
Don’t want Kemp for Cano, but I would take Sizemore. Look up the stats next time.
Vote: Sizemore or Matt Kemp for Cano?
Be a man if you’re going to debate. Never said anything about trading for Sizemore.
Sizemore strikes out a ton as well. He struck out 153 times in 2006 and 155 times in 2007.
So stop with the Kemp stuff with his strikeout totals. He has the talent to be a Sizemore-like player very soon.
And he’s 23 years old.
I’d trade Cano tomorrow for Kemp, especially given the market for outfielders over the next couple of years when the Yanks have to replace three of them (Abreu, Damon, and Matsui).
Ian Kennedy is at 70 pitches hes probably not going to go for the no-no
“I’m sure this latest missive from Little Stein will be met with approval from those who think a rusty, one-dimensional 44-year-old PED abuser is just what the Yankees need.”
Why not, the Red Sox have a younger version in Ortiz.
You know, if they bring Bonds in people will stop fixating on ARod’s every move and the cameras will all be on Bonds. That might just be a great thing for ARod in October.
I can understand not wanting Bonds simply on principle (though it’d be a flawed principle since we also have ‘Stache and just had Clemens a year ago). But in baseball terms, signing Bonds may be really good.
Depends on how you look at it.
I don’t think I’ve read a single solid argument from any of the (many) people who are against a Bonds signing.
Here’s one point to help you guys out:
If the Yanks sign Bonds they HAVE to win. Otherwise the media would have a field day in heaven if they get knocked out in the ALDS, or the ALCS, or even the World Series. Of course this is a horrible mentality for players to go into games with, but they are human and it would probably be difficult to avoid.
One demensional in what exactly? helping your team score a lot of runs?
Look, Richie Sexson is a one dimensional player … homerun or bust. Robinson Cano might be described as a one dimensional hitter… lots of single / double or nothing. Barry Bonds ? the guy was basically a better David Ortiz last year. is anyone calling David Ortiz a one demisonal player? or think that it’s a bad thing?
Nobody on this blog can deny that Barry Bonds is a hitting machine, steroids or no, 44 or not. The broken-down, middle-aged guy who can barely run was still one of the most disgustingly consistent OBP machines in the game last year, and there’s no reason to think he wouldn’t be the same this year. (Plus even if you did think he’d be a broken mess, you’d still cough up 500K and give him a try in the minors for a few weeks.)
No, the only arguments against Bonds are off-the-field arguments.
1. Can the team remain focused with this guy in the clubhouse?
2. Can the organization as a whole deal with the media onslaught?
3. Can you do the trade on principle?
How you answer these questions will determine whether or not you would sign Bonds, because from the pure baseball numbers standpoint it’s one of the sweetest deals in the history of the game.
“Bonds can perform under pressure? How did he do in the World Series when he finally made it?”
.471/.700/1.294
In other words he was god-like. He very nearly won the WS on his own. It was possibly the most impressive sports performance I’ve ever seen.
Don’t get carried away with this. Bonds is a big topic, and I’m not sure the Yankees want to get involved and start a big problem like this.It is highly doubtful that he comes to NY anyway, but we will have to wait and see. He hasn’t played in like forever..is he even ready to come back?
Kevin