Should Barry Bonds be the Padres' next left fielder?
By: LOREN NELSON - Staff Writer | ∞
By: MARC FIGUEROA - Staff Writer
YES
We always hear about clubhouse chemistry and how it can make or break a team.
Barry Bonds is the poster child for bad chemistry, from the literal sense (see steroid scandal) to the one that has him confined to a Barcalounger in the locker room, isolated from his teammates and seemingly the rest of the world.
The reigning home run king has been mentioned in some circles as the Padres' answer in left field. Mostly it's been a mere mention, followed by a flurry of furious feedback ranting about how Bonds would be the worse thing that ever happened to the Padres. I disagree.
Bonds may be a bad guy with a big head, but at the end of the day, isn't baseball about winning? Bonds may not be juicing anymore, but the dude, as impersonal as he is, can still lay the lumber.
Last year, when he was seeing maybe one strike per plate appearance, he still managed to hit 28 homers in only 340 at-bats. Adrian Gonzalez, the Padres' home-run leader, needed 646 at-bats last season to scratch out 30 home runs. If Bonds ever gets pitched to again, he can easily match that using nothing more than a toothpick.
Let's face facts. In order for the Padres to win more games, they need more power in the lineup. Tony Clark will help, but he's not enough.
I hate this about the Padres. They always seem to do just enough to keep things interesting leading into September, but never enough to hang around in October. And we fall for this every time.
We fill up Petco Park, buy their gear, drink their seismically-priced beers and pay for two measly bites of soft serve ice cream just so my nephew can get a little plastic Padres helmet that he's going to lose anyway. And for what? Just to see the Padres get turned away at the postseason's pearly gates ---- again.
The Padres will never pull the trigger on Bonds. Not only are they not willing to pay for him, but they're not willing to take such a big public relations risk. And that's what irks me the most. The Padres are not a win-at-all-costs club. They're more concerned about image than victories. I guess that flies in laid-back San Diego, but it shouldn't.
I'm not saying that Bonds is the answer to the Padres' problems. But his bat certainly can't hurt.
To the Padres, Bonds' cons outweigh his pros. But in my book, the cons of the Padres outweigh their pros, too. So in this case, two wrongs would make a right.
Marc Figueroa can be reached at marcfig@aol.com.
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Let's forget about all that and talk logistics.
Starting with the clubhouse. Bonds' greatness cannot be limited to a single locker stall and accompanying folding chair. Heavens, no.
If the Padres were to acquire Bonds, they must first construct a separate Barry Wing. And in that shrine there must be a Barcalounger the size of a mini van, a wall paneled with plasma screens and sound system powerful enough to register on the Richter scale.
Special Barry Rules must be adopted. No one speaks to Barry unless they are first spoken to by one of his handlers. All conversations go through intermediaries, as if Barry were a Japanese player who doesn't speak English.
It shall be written that Barry plays when he wants to play. If Barry has a sore hamstring, he sits. If Barry cracks a toenail, he sits. If there is a game that conflicts with a particular TV show Barry enjoys watching, he sits.
Barry does not have to stick around for the completion of games. Barry leaves when he wants to leave, no matter the inning, the score or the importance of the game. Barry leaves early to avoid traffic. Barry leaves early to hit his favorite nightclub. Barry leaves early to walk the pit bulls.
Barry shall not travel with the team. He flies separately in a private jet. Ground transportation is limos only, preferably those Humvee-looking ones that stretch longer than an aircraft carrier.
Barry does not sign autographs. Not for little kids. Not for grown men. Not for old women or politicians or folks with two days left to live.
For money? Barry signs for money. Barry will get back to you on that.
Barry does not talk about steroids, human growth hormone or any other substance that can make biceps and triceps and craniums swell to comic book proportions.
Reporters shall not ask Barry questions about anything deemed negative, or anything that isn't related to baseball, or anything about baseball that involves his performance or a teammate's performance or why he covers ground in left field more slowly than a snapping turtle.
Marc is over there saying that this is all doable, and of course he is right. The San Francisco Giants adhered to the Barry Rules for years. Bonds hit some home runs. Fans loved him for it. Teammates tolerated him because of it.
But what Marc is forgetting is that darn Barcalounger. It would take an army of men wielding jackhammers to try to wedge that puppy into Petco Park.
Even then, it might not fit. A sure-fire deal breaker.
Sorry, Barry.
Loren Nelson, sports editor, can be reached at (760) 740-3551 or lnelson@nctimes.com.
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mark wrote on Feb 17, 2008 9:21 AM:I have been a Padre fan since the early 60's (AAA PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE). It would disgrace the few ledends of the game the Padres have produced, (if Barry Bonds were to sign with the San Diego). The wonderful Tony Gwynn. Ozzie Smith the wizard. Nettles,Winfield,Goose,Perry,Kennedy, Garvey,Wittson,and many more. This would out do the Gary Templeton mess. We booooooo Barry Bonds. He belongs in the American League,as a DH. Left Field in Petco? It shouldn't even be discussed.
RandyR wrote on Feb 17, 2008 10:27 AM:I've been a Padre fan for as long as I can remember; I'm 44 yrs of age. It would be a shame to see Bonds wearing the uniform, that I cheer for. I would hope if this event ever occured...myself and everyone in Petco...let's stand and boo the man and show the organization, that those who pay the ticket prices, should have a voice! Like Mark said, there aren't many notable faces that have worn the uniform...let's not weaken that thought.
Rico wrote on Feb 17, 2008 10:12 PM:Heck, why not! The Padres specialize in signing injured vets who are past their prime, so by the looks of it Barry Balco would be a perfect fit.
Jer Bear wrote on Feb 18, 2008 10:49 AM:Who comes up with these stupid questions? Bonds is history, just like his chances of getting into the Hall.
Bk wrote on Feb 18, 2008 2:35 PM:Obviously, Marc is not a true San Diego fan, nor does he have any idea of the pulse of this city's baseball heartbeat. There's a reason why no other team in baseball has touched the asterisk king, and it has more to do with just diminishing baseball skills. Factor in the dead weight in the clubhouse, his outrageous salary demands, and the single-handed ability to make free agents think twice about signing in San Barryiego. If he's brought on board, you've not only disrupted the team's course; you've capsized your entire crew. I'll take a happy-go-lucky bunch that barely missed the playoffs to a team that I can't even turn my TV on to watch, lest I happen to glimpse that sad sack of surly steroids spitting seeds in the on-deck circle. Barry in left field? That's about as useful as a match in the middle of the ocean. He's no life-preserver...he's a shark waiting to take a bite out of the team. The Pads can do better....and are better without the Barroid on board. Thanks, Loren, for looking out for us true Padre fans.
between wrote on Feb 18, 2008 3:36 PM:Why doesn't he go work for Pfizer, Merck and Co, Bayer, Eli Lilly, Bristol Myers, etc.?
TCarlsbad wrote on Feb 18, 2008 5:28 PM:Winning is not sweet if it is not done with character and integrity. I see none of that in Mr. Bonds. He is only about himself, not the game much less his team or their fans and the fans of baseball everywhere.
I would hope Mr. Bonds would repent. Even if he did I say his career is over and done with, asterisk and all.
Bring us the Tony Gwyns who have character and integrity. Players who truly love the game, their teams and the fans. Especially for the kids who need great role models. We all need great role models.
Umm.. wrote on Feb 19, 2008 9:52 AM:Just say No to Bonds*
We don't need liars wrote on Feb 19, 2008 12:50 PM:and cheats on the Padres! NO NO NO
Louie wrote on Feb 20, 2008 1:04 PM:Hell no!!!
Louie wrote on Feb 20, 2008 1:05 PM:Helllll no!!!
Buy Bonds wrote on Feb 20, 2008 2:52 PM:everyone knows in these times of inflation you buy Bonds. The stats tell it all
Duh wrote on Feb 20, 2008 4:14 PM:Bonds doesn`t have the cartilage to play left. If a team signs him it would as a D hitter
Kyle wrote on Feb 20, 2008 10:53 PM:This would be a terrible move by the Padres. Barry is a huge liability. I would rather save the cash and strike for a free agent next year or use it to re-sign Bard and the bullpen to a few extensions.
Rob wrote on Feb 21, 2008 1:31 PM:Just saying people I'm as big a fan as all of you, but the last couple years we can agree he's clean right? He's been one of the most effective hitters in baseball (when healthy). I'm just saying when the Padres once again fail to get over the hump this year (sad but true) remember that you could've had 100 games of a great hitter and might have been a contender.
James wrote on Feb 21, 2008 8:59 PM:Say what you want about Bonds. The fact is that when he steps to the plate he's still one of the most intimidating hitters in baseball. Look at the Padres projected starting lineup. Who would you say is an intimidating hitter? We have good hitters, but no one that will elicit fear in opposing pitchers. I love Tony Gwynn. There will never be another 19. However, TG in San Diego produced 0 championships. The San Diego Padres as an organization have produced 0 championships. I want to see a parade in downtown San Diego just once! I'm not saying break the bank on this guy. Offer him a decent base salary with performance incentives. If he plays and performs well, he earns his money. If this isn't done, we'll just be another average team in a weak division/league.
bring him on wrote on Feb 22, 2008 8:24 AM:Yeah, let's sign Barry. Then we can trade for Tejada and Pettitte and persuade Clemens to come here. Maybe we can coax the Bash Brothers out of retirement, too, or at least Rafael Palmeiro. Replace the Friar with a frothing-at-the-mouth Incredible Hulk for a mascot! Maybe that will satisfy Figueroa's win-at-all-costs lust?
Slinker wrote on Feb 22, 2008 11:27 AM:If the Padres sign Bonds I will not go to any Padres games this year, nor will I watch them on TV or buy any Padres merchandise for my kids. Simple as that.
ed wrote on Feb 23, 2008 8:04 PM:Sure why not? He's just one of many cheats in baseball. What's this romantic vision about baseball? It's just entertainment. And Bonds can still hit.
Jack_D wrote on Feb 23, 2008 9:20 PM:If they sign Bonds, I will become a Dodgers fan overnight.
Rusty wrote on Feb 24, 2008 7:16 AM:No. Not the image we want.
padres all the way wrote on Feb 24, 2008 7:17 PM:*
John wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:51 PM:There is no chance in hell that this scenario would ever happen, but I guess that Loren was having a slow day. Either that or he isn't paying attention to what Kevin Towers has stated publicly about the possibility of signing Barry Bonds......and he said there was zero chance. So why the article?
Norv wrote on Feb 25, 2008 5:48 PM:That's exactly what the Padres need. another washed up player who was juiced for several years. Good move Padres...
Yep wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:39 PM:Yes! When I'm feeding my face and drinking overpriced beer I want to be entertained with some offence. This dude can hit. That's what it's all about.
pads#1 wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:52 PM:if Mr towers took a BIG chance on Jim Edmonds inCF why not B. Bonds in LF, let me refresh your memory guys Ryan Klesko,Sledge,Jose Cruz,Nevin,Roberts,burger boy Sean Burroghs,I can go on and on with the list, last year there was free agent,maybe you guys know him his name Alfonso Soriano,towers,et al. did not have the money to pay the guy, yea rigth,im used to have season tixs but after watching how this people play with the finger in our mouth,I just didn't wanna go thru the same offseason thinking of a Soriano and ending up with a J.Cruz Jr. not even close,oh and were bringing Robert Fick WOW!!!! I let my season tixs go!!!! these team make millions of dollars they can afford anybody they want but if they know (ownership)that fans are happy with just a team that goes to the postseason and getting kicked out in the first round each year they dont care,100 games of a great player are worth more than 162 of mediocrity.
O'side Res wrote on Mar 25, 2008 12:01 PM:Sign him. It would give me another reason to root against the Padres.
Cubs Fan wrote on Mar 25, 2008 12:13 PM:The beauty of the Padres is that you can always get tickets (good seats) at the last minute to see your favorite team in town. You don't have to go to StubHubb or ebay or craigslist. Right to the window. Heck, I get offered free tickets in the office a couple times a month. Not a lot of loyal fans. I tried to buy tickets to the Yankees in New York and practically the whole season is sold out. Rival games are all sold out. not here in San Diego. I've lived here for 20 years and I could not tell you who the Padre outfielders are on the Padres. Padres should bring back Finley, he's local and not signed. What the heck. Everyone liked him. Not a big bat, but a good guy and certainly can play the field better than Bonds, Klesko etc.
Baseball Fan wrote on Mar 25, 2008 12:21 PM:Padre fans are happy and content with loud music and stupid games on the scoreboard. Most fans in the stands could not even name the outfield, past or present.
t-rack wrote on Apr 7, 2008 8:01 PM:Put him on the team and draw a crowd for once (other then the dodger games). Lets draw some press and revenue at make this team Yankee status
chrgrbltz wrote on Apr 15, 2008 10:02 AM:The Image of Barry Bonds in a Padre uni brings back the bad memories of a sad looking Johnny Unitas in a Charger's those black high-top cleats. Please spare us ALL the ridiculous falicy!
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