Savings Bonds: The Giants should have passed
There are issues that surround Barry Bonds and will follow him for the rest of his career, and beyond.
But of all the questions that have hounded him over the years, the biggest one might have to be asked this week, after Bonds signs a one-year deal with the Giants: Who on earth thought it was a good idea to give Barry Bonds $16 million?
For the sake of argument, I'll forgo the legal issues surrounding Bonds at the moment, and even pretend (as if it were possible) that the issues do not exist.
Sure, Giants' management sees a guy that has hit 734 homers in his career, and who has been the primary drawing card for the team since he arrived in 1993.
I'm sorry, but all I see is a 42-year-old guy who turns 43 in July. I see a guy who has hit only 31 homers in the last two seasons, missing more than 170 games over that span.
Bonds is also someone who would benefit greatly from only having to swing the bat. By signing in the National League, the 20-year veteran will have to pick up a glove nearly every game he starts.
Those who are in favor of the signing can point to two things: First, Bonds is 22 homers away from breaking Henry Aaron's all-time mark, a moment which will result in a number of sellouts and revenue.
The second reason is Bonds' proven track record as a draw. The Giants drew more than 3 million fans in 2006, and since the Giants managed just 76 wins last season, you'd have to figure it was his allure that brought them in.
But assuming that all those things remain consistent in 2007, can the salary still be justified? In over 20 seasons in the Major Leagues, the slugger has appeared in one World Series. The Giants have missed the postseason in each of the last three years — all with Bonds' off the field issues hovering over the franchise. Does the signing really help the Giants contend? Given Bonds problems getting along with some teammates, isn't it possible the signing does just the opposite?
What I really don't understand about the $16 million deal is that no other teams appeared to show much interest, much like the last time Bonds was on the free agent market. So why did the Giants give him so much?
In 1993, as a free agent, Barry Bonds reached an agreement with the Giants that was for six years and $43 million. He was 28 then, coming off a season in which he batted .311, hit 34 homers and stole 39 bases.
Then, it was worth a bit more than $6 million. Now, at 42, Bonds convinced the Giants he's worth nearly three times that.
Money sure doesn't buy you what it used to. What it is, is anyone's guess.
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