Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Don't want Bonds? Must be collusion

I can't believe it, MLB owners don't want to sign Barry Bonds. Afterall, Bonds is only the single biggest lockerroom distraction in recent baseball history and has more people writing him hate mail than cheering him in the stands.

The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) has opened an investigation to determine if owners are in collusion as Barry Bonds, Kenny Lofton and other free agents are going unsigned.

Barry Bonds' agent Jeff Borris indicated that his client is yet to receive an offer from a team since becoming a free agent at the end of the 2007 season. I do enjoy that this allegation implies teams should have no choice but to make Bonds an offer. Barroid has a black cloud over his head and would certainly bring drama to any team that signed him. Bonds may be an incredible hitter into his 40s, but teams are by no means obligated to sign him.

While Bonds is an enormous distraction and realistically would be a bad addition to almost any team, Kenny Lofton may have a case. While Lofton has become more of a defensive liability than a highlight show primed for a SportsCenter Top 10 at any moment, he hit .300 or better in 2 of the last 3 seasons and still stole 23 bases in 2007. Lofton would be a strong addition to most teams, especially those looking for some veteran leadership and a steady leadoff hitter.

Maybe the Mariners should sign Barry Bonds as DH, but I don't know if they have enough free money to pay for his acne medication and increasingly larger hats and shoes each week.

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