Without a contract for 2008 and with time to perhaps reflect or whatever, Barry Bonds does look considerably smaller in this video from ESPN.
Well, on Friday, he pleaded not guilty to 15 federal charges of lying to a grand jury about his performance-enhancing drug use and the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative in 2003.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle: If they had decided to rebuild, the A's wouldn't have a spot for Barry Bonds.
However, the club is intact as the winter meetings end, and Oakland is considered the hot pick to sign the free-agent outfielder despite his legal troubles and the potential public-relations issues that accompany him.
"There is no doubt in my mind that Oakland will sign Bonds," one major-league executive said Thursday as the winter meetings wound down. "I'd be shocked if it didn't happen."
Two other teams also have expressed interest in Bonds, an industry source said. Bonds is most likely a fit for an American League club, so that he could serve as a designated hitter. The A's, though, apparently have told Bonds that if he signs with them, he would appear in left field with some frequency. The home run king would be splitting DH duties with Jack Cust.
"I'm speaking with American League clubs as well as National League clubs," Bonds' agent, Jeff Borris, said Thursday.
According to several people with knowledge of the talks, the A's were working on a deal to sign Bonds last month before he was indicted on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. Bonds will be arraigned on those charges in San Francisco today, but there is a belief in baseball and legal circles that a trial would not be held until after the 2008 season, or even early 2009.
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Hey everyone, I am on way out of here from the left coast and on my way home, and right now I am watching some video on ESPN. The news with Bonds has got me thinking, why is this being covered incessantly that network?
Have we learned anything new? ESPN has had everyone from Buster Olney to Victor Conte on that network, and the commentary has ranged from the legal perspective to racism to what the fans feel.
I have this going through my mind is this: well, is the news concerning Bonds about the case itself against him (perjury or obstruction of justice) or is more commentary on how Bonds has destroyed the sanctity of baseball?
I'm tired of it already...
(This is an article I have written for another publication - I'll probably clean it up and break it down, but read it below and let me know what you think...)
From KTVU TV - "Major League Baseball's all-time home run king Barry Bonds was indicted Thursday on perjury and obstruction justice charges, according to KTVU reporter Rita Williams.
The five-count indictment -- four counts of perjury and one of obstruciton of justice -- capped one of the longest federal grand jury investigations in Northern California history -- a proceeding that introduced the sports world to the acronym BALCO (Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative) and led to the downfall of American track and field world and Olympic champions Marion Jones, Kelli White and Tim Montgomery..."
This was bound to happen sooner or later.
Barry Bonds is told by the San Francisco Giants that they will not be bringing him back in 2008, per reports in the media and what was said on his Web site Friday.
Here's what was said via his site:
This was what he said via his website:
"This journal will be one of my last entries as a San Francisco Giant. Yesterday, I was told by the Giants that they will not be bringing me back for the 2008 season. During the conversation with Peter Magowan I was told that my play this year far exceeded any expectations the Giants had, but that the organization decided this year would be my last season in
Well, there’s more to the entry, but I am not going to copy any more.
Anyhow, after reading this, these are probably his sincere words and to the core. From my visit to 
im out there (perhaps, not a majority) only have reverence and warm feelings about him.
We no doubt know he can be surly, rude, opinionated and a jerk; however, the talent he showed in San Francisco helped to built that organization and also AT&T Park to what is today.
Alas, with most corporate decisions, the news was done in a “matter-of-fact” way, more or less, “thanks for the memories, but you need to clean out your desk – soon”.
Give them credit, at least the upper brass told him of their intentions rather than hearing it via the press or through some blog.
It looks like he’ll try to latch onto a team in 2008 in hopes of getting his 3,00th hit. I’d imagine he’d want to stay on the West Coast, but he’s a DH and because of his sordid dealings with BALCO the last few seasons, it may be hard.
For all it is worth, good luck Barry.
Last night was not a good one for the Black and Orange. It was hot, sticky, miserable and Jeremy Guthrie just could not get it going last night. He got hit, and hit hard - real hard.
The O's lost 8-4 last night to the Mariners.
Guthrie allowed six runs in four innings, and allowed a devastating two-run homer to Jose Guillen.
Nick Markakis added two RBI for the Orioles, and Miguel Tejada along with Kevin Millar each drove an RBI as well.
The two teams close out the season series tonight as Horacio Ramirez takes on Daniel Cabrera.
Barry Bonds, as we all know, hit his 756th home run yesterday, thus becoming the all-time Major League Baseball home run king.
I actually stayed up last night and watched the game on MASN, even though I am trying to wart off an illness and honestly should have been sleeping.
Well, considering such an important record was broken, the response to it seemed kind of -- muted.
It was like everyone was there for the car crash, and that’s it.
Instead of adulation and love of a man who broke the record, it’s almost as if
In reality, there was so much controversy and hatred of Bonds that seemed much like a lonely quest for him, and that
Now, Washington Nationals’ pitcher Mike Bacsik will become a footnote in history and perhaps on the other end of trivia questions for generations to come. Although Washington won 8-6, the end result of the game is completely irrelevant at this venture.
The whole pursuit of 756 has been quite sad; alas, we have an athlete who is probably the best all-around player of a generation, part of a family of baseball royalty, yet may or may not be getting the respect he deserves.
However, you reap what you sow and the reaction to the home run chase may are what fans felt towards Bonds, deserved or not.
Forget the drug use, you can only disrespect fans and be ornery for so long until they dislike you.
I have also been further mystified by the response of baseball towards Bonds’ quest, especially by commissioner Bud Selig. For a man who’s done a lot of good in baseball, while having a share of his own foibles, has really dropped the ball in the way he’s handled it.
Selig reacted as if the stench of Bonds was too much for him, and he’d rather have a colonoscopy than have anything to do with the celebration.
Most players seemed to be in support and respect his talent; however, I am sure there are some who feel disgusted, but meanwhile keep their opinions to themselves.
The exception to the rule may be Curt Schilling, and perhaps Dmitri Young…
Fans have voiced their opinion, and outside
In the end, I feel that Bonds is just a sign of our times – an athlete who did what he could to win and did what did for the money, glory and prove that he was the best.
Politicians lie, kids cheat on tests, married people cheat, actors and actresses spend umpteen amount of money on surgery to stop the aging clock, and in some office today, an employee is embezzling from his or her company.
Bonds today is representative of what many in society are; however, he’s no hero. If he did use performance enhancing drugs (as the evidence overwhelmingly states), he did what he could get ahead, and there was no traffic cop on the highway to stop him.
Bud Selig, the Giants and Major League Baseball in a sick marriage of money, glory, ballpark attendance and ratings, turned a blind eye to the drug use in sports whether they wanted to admit it existed or not.
All of this happened under your watch...
Peter McGowan, who owns the Giants along with GM Brian Sabean might not like the stench that Barry Bonds leaves behind when he walks past, but there’s no doubt that his presence along with his bat made San Francisco contenders for the past fifteen years (until recently), filled the ballpark and made oodles of money.
Well, we as fans, we may or may not like him; nevertheless, we wanted to see the car accident.
Today, the vast majority of us will go online, read articles, go on blogs, message boards and say what we will about Bonds’ 756th home run.
Personally, in the end, sports are a small part of life for most of us; however, it creates a lot of discussion and helps to build, or in the case of Bonds, break bridges
Folks, let’s see him as an entertainer who did he could to get ahead in his craft; thusand not for any more than that. I, for one, am glad this home run race is over. It’s been sad to see the whole sags and now for a generation we’ll look back at a man, Barry Bonds, who could have been so much more.
He’s seen nothing more as a villain.
In the lonely pursuit, I have seen a lot of this country and how its values are shaped, through a man whose job it is to just hit a baseball.
I have no idea if it a good thing, or this country is really in trouble; nevertheless, we should perhaps take a moment, look back and see who are role models should be, rather than some person who plays a kid's game.
In a summer of scandals in professional sports, the reality is that the expectations of our heroes, our gladiators need to change, and Barry Bonds served as the case study.
Washington Nationals’ rookie pitcher John Lannan is potentially on a collision course with history.
At some point, either in the first or second inning, he’ll go toe to toe with Barry Bonds.
I don’t know how the youngster feels at the moment, but he’s got a job to do.
Well, as we all know by now, San Francisco Giant Barry Bonds hit his 755th home run off the Padres’ Clay Hensley in his first at bat on Saturday.
As much as people decried that achievement he reached, the world still watched, and Diego’s Petco Park was filled to capacity.
No what side of the spectrum you’re on with issue, Mr. Bonds evokes an emotion out of people that few athletes can top.
AT&T Park will is sold out completely this week, as Bonds will attempt to break the all-time Home Run record.
In watching the game again this weekend, I could not help to notice the reaction on Bud Selig’s face when Barry tied his friend, Hank Aaron’s record.
He looked like he was about throw up and did not seem to be enthused at all that he had to be in San Diego to witness it.
Now, Bud is staying home as Barry goes for 756.
As much as I want to rail on Bonds and commit to saying he’s evil, a cheat and bad for sports, I think what he did is an achievement; however, what he did is indicative of the time we live in.
So is Bud Selig.
Barry Bonds, if he did use performance enhancing drugs (as the evidence overwhelmingly states), he did what he could get ahead, and there was no traffic cop on the highway to stop him.
Bud Selig, the Giants and Major League Baseball in a sick marriage of money, glory, ballpark attendance and ratings, turned a blind eye to the drug use in sports whether they wanted to admit it existed or not.
Sorry, Bud. You're the commisioner; thus, you need to be at his record breaking home run.
All of this happened under your watch...
Peter McGowan, who owns the Giants along with GM Brian Sabean might not like the stench that Barry Bonds leaves behind when he walks past, but there’s no doubt that his presence along with his bat made San Francisco contenders, filled the ballpark and made oodles of money.
Well, we as fans, we may or may not like him; nevertheless, we want to see the car accident. Thus, millions of us will stay up late and see if the record will be eclipsed.
In the morning, the vast majority of us will go online, read articles, go on blogs, message boards and say what we will about Bonds’ 756th home run.
Personally, in the end, sports are a small part of life for the most of us; however, it creates a lot of discussion and helps to build, or in the case of Bonds, break bridges.
As for Mr. Lannan, saying tonight is a big game would be the understatement of the year.
John, good luck; therefore, do what Washington manager Manny Acta said, “Go after him…”
It will be seen if his name will be linked with Barry Bonds for all eternity.
Whether we like it or not, Barry is tied with Hank Aaron for the all-time lead in home runs in the Major Leagues.
Homer 755 came off Clay Hensley last night in San Diego.
Barry is now a "Giant Among Legends" in reality now.
People both cheered and booed Barry's accomplishment, but history was made and it did illicit a reaction.
He probably will not play tonight, as he usually does not partake in a day game after a night one.
Again, no matter how I or America feels, the most hallowed record in sports has been tied, and most likely will be broken.
For what it is worth, congratulations Barry!
Today has been a light day here at the office, as I have been catching up on stuff and doing the little things, but I have not blogged like this in a while. The day’s work is almost done and I have the IPod on with Chamillionaire’s “Riding Dirty” in the background, and just got done hearing the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ great song, “Snow”.
First off, I was just reading the news now and to any baseball fan out there, is it little reason why most people find Barry Bonds to be an a**hole?
From ESPN.com:
As Barry Bonds nears his record 756th home run, he's stockpiling quite a collection of souvenirs -- bats, balls, helmets and spikes, pieces of baseball history perfectly suited for the Hall of Fame.
Whether he'll donate any of them to
"I'm not worried about the Hall," the
No wonder those at the museum are getting concerned, especially with Bonds only 10 homers shy of breaking Hank Aaron's career mark.
"There's uncertainty," Hall vice president Jeff Idelson acknowledged.
Around 35,000 artifacts are shown and stored at the shrine, and about a dozen pertain to Bonds.
There is a bat from his rookie year and cleats from him becoming the first player in the 400-homer/400-steal club. Unsolicited, he sent the bat and ball from his 2,000th hit. A batting practice bat from the 2002 World Series was the last thing Bonds provided.
"Doesn't everybody have the right to decide to do it or not do it?" he said last week.
The most prized items, the ones that fans would really want to see, are missing.
Nothing directly from Bonds to highlight his 500th home run. Ditto for homers 714 and 715, when he tied and passed Babe Ruth. Same for anything tied to him topping Mark McGwire's single-season total of 70.
Well, it is little wonder why a lot of people hate Bonds? Obviously, Barry cannot turn back the clock on the past; however, there’s no time better than the present to change his image.
As he gets closer to the cusp of Hank’s record, Barry should try to be kinder and gentler. He may not care, but his legacy depends greatly on how he handles breaking the record (aside from the drug talk).
If he were smart, he’d wise up and let the people see the mementos that have led to the great moment.
Barry, keep in mind -- there's more to the game than just YOU.
‘The Hits Keep Coming’ internet radio show on Blog Talk Radio just had it’s ninth episode on the air tonight. Thanks to Anthony and Jason for helping make everything go smoothly, as well as the conversation and taking out part of their evening to talk about the sport we love. The first was live and streaming; whereas, the second hour was just recorded after we got off the air.
Website: http://blogtalkradio.com/oriolepost
First Hour:
Second Hour:
Downloads:
I found this blurb on another blog dealing baseball trades and rumors (thanks to MLB Rumors):
“After the news that Barry Bonds failed an amphetamine test, word from Giants camp is that they are looking for a way out. An official in the Giants front office suggested a deal for Bonds could blow up. Bonds would have to take a serious pay cut to join any other team, and it is possible that the Rangers might be interested. Barry Bonds could also join the Red Sox with the J.D. Drew contract up in the air. Bonds batted .270 with 26 HR and 77 RBI.”
Well, well, well.
It looks like the Giants want to perhaps sever ties with Barry Bonds. I don’t see it happening, not as much as the two need each other. The Giants want Barry to hit homer 756 in their uniform, and hopefully get a lot of marketing, press and fans to make money. Barry needs a friendly audience, and he’ll get it in San Francisco.
The Giants look to be a middle of the road with many veterans who are mostly likely past their prime, or just about to leave it as. Barry Bonds needs a paycheck, and during the winter meetings almost no other team was interested in him, the attention he’s bring and yes, his baggage.
The relationship between the San Francisco Giants and Barry Bonds was symbiotic and almost in way, harmonious. Barry would hit homers into McCovey Cove, the fans would cheer and the Giants pack the park, plus make money – lots of it. The Giants in the past 15 or so years, have had several winning seasons, playoff appearances, and were in the 2002 World Series, much of it due to the contributions of Barry Bonds.
Even when they were allegations of Barry’s drug use and involvement in the BALCO case in the early stages, club officials conducted and went along business as usual.
Keep in mind, for each landmark passed, the Giants would usher in an elaborate presentation and Barry would soak it in and enjoy it.
I’m sure someone in the Giants organization felt or knew that Barry might have been doing something, but no one stepped in to stop it --- until it got dirty. Real dirty.
So, that is why I am a bit skeptical that the Giants would want to end their relationship with Bonds over a positive amphetamine test.
In the corporate world, no one gets fired over just one small incident, a termination builds up over incident, after incident that’s recorded, or if there’s an axe to grind. This is the case with Bonds.
I think the organization is tired of his tirades, demands, and the negative press that tends to swirl around the team with his presence.
However, the Giants fed into it. They let him get away with misdeeds, put the blinders on with his drug use and as well treated him much differently than others. Is he a superstar, yes, but it’s kind of off base for organization to expect their athlete to change, after you had given him pretty much free reign to do what he pleases for a decade and a half.
For the Red Sox and Rangers, what do you think you’re doing?
I cannot imagine Barry as a Red Sox. No way. He’ll never survive, and they already have a DH in David Ortiz, one of the best in the game. Barry may be thick skinned, for sure, but I don’t see him in Boston. I see the Red Sox and J.D. Drew working things out – eventually.
Barry as a Ranger? Maybe. Tom Hicks likes to spend the bucks and partake in questionable signings. I do think Barry would fit in the park well, and they might have a slot for him. He may be going into a friendly environment as well, but I don’t know about this one. I do feel though if there’s one team who would take the chance, it’s Texas.
In the end, I think San Francisco and Bonds keep their marriage of love, I mean convenience, intact for the good of the team and for Barry. I don’t see the Giants giving up all that revenue, and marketing opportunities just for a positive drug test from Barry Bonds after they have let him do what he pretty much wanted and tolerated for 15 years.
With the amount of money Barry will be paid, and the revenue the team will make, what’s one more year?
