February 25, 2008
He's Used to Playing by a Bay
B.J. Upton and Carl Crawford would like Barry Bonds to join the Rays:
"C'mon,'' B.J. Upton said, "it's Barry.''
Two-time All-Star Carl Crawford said Bonds could be a good addition to the team's lineup, despite whatever issues, and attention, might follow him.
"If they are really serious about it, I'm pretty sure we can adjust to it,'' Crawford said before Monday's workout. "It's Barry Bonds - who wouldn't want to have him on their team?
This is one of those situations where there's no such thing as negative publicity. Yes, the Rays are trying to build a young team, but Barry in the lineup would increase attendance, and possibly improve the team enough that they get a taste of competing this season. For one year, I don't see a lot of downside to Tampa signing Bonds.
If the Rays are serious about contending this year (which is not likely, but not impossible), then they could do a lot worse than sign Bonds. Add Bonds, catch lightning in a bottle from a pitcher or two, and suddenly the AL East win totals drop considerably, as everyone but Baltimore beats each other bloody.
Not to be a wet blanket but I can think of more than a couple negatives. I also think this is just blowing smoke - I don't see Barry signing any kind of bargain deal or playing in st. Pete but yanevano.