On the eve of what could be the Yankee’s first double-digit game wining streak in quite some time, I’m beginning to see that old Yankee fire burning again. The team is hot, and critics can finally see the impact of Alex Rodriguez's return to the lineup.
Everybody is seeing better pitches to hit, and Rodriguez himself has been en fuego! This also happens to be about the time when angry fans of sub-.500 small market teams begin to revolt against Yankee capitalism. Hank “The Bank” Steinbrenner has shown that he is willing to make a big splash, and what could possibly ever cause a bigger uproar than signing the steroid-filled home run machine that is Barry Bonds.
Okay, so you guys are probably saying “this kid is an idiot” and “why destroy team chemistry with a guy like Bonds?”
762 Home Runs. That’s why.
Barry Bonds is one of the greatest hitters in the history of baseball, period. Steroids or not, there is no way to deny his unparalleled ability. Granted, he is 44 years old. He hasn’t played baseball for 2 years. All of this works to the Yankees advantage. Here’s why:
1- Barry hasn’t played for a while, so there is no way that he can command anywhere near the type of money he was asking for after San Francisco let him go.
2. The Yankees have a very good team this year; this is arguably their best lineup in a decade, and a revamped pitching staff that is starting to come together. Bonds would salivate at the chance to hop on the Yankee championship train. The Yankees don’t really have a big home-run bat on their bench. They could use Bonds.
3. Right field has been very accommodating to home run balls that wish to visit. I’m sure Bonds would have no problem smacking a couple homers over the short porch. Heck, he could hit a bunch of homers there. Let’s remember that, even in his old age, Bond’s was still hitting balls into McCovey Cove. In comparison, at the 2007 Home Run derby, not a single player managed to put a home run in the water.
4. Bonds sells tickets. Maybe the Yanks can get a couple of those $2,500 dollar seats filled. And imagine the jersey sales.
5. Bonds will make the Yankees better. He’s had some time off to rest his old bones and muscles, and hopefully deflate a little bit. He should be more flexible than he’s been in years. Bonds must realize by now that he is not the main attraction, but he could be a solid piece in helping the Yankees win.
You still have to throw good pitches to him, and he has a great eye. You can play him at DH, or in a platoon with Matsui. You could pinch hit him. He is still a dangerous hitter.
6. Hideki Matsui has been injury prone in the past, and you never know when some sprain or cramp will come up forcing him to sit a couple games.
If the Yankees can pick up Bonds on the cheap, he could be the nail in the Red Sox and Blue Jays coffin.
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