I realize you wrote this before the Braves basically tanked their way out of the playoffs, but I have a few questions/points for you:

Does Barry Bonds have an adverse effect on a clubhouse? Game of Shadows depicts him as the anti-Christ, demanding a customized locker and personal physician and just being a misanthrope around his other teammates. As a manager, GM, or fan, would you want the most controversial player (and possibly the worst teammate) in the game’s history just to plug in left field for 1/2 of a season?

Is it fair to assume he’d duplicate last year’s OBP? He didn’t play in spring training, his body continues to inevitably break down as a result of years of abusing it, and his confidence has to be shot. I keep hearing “the anger fuels Bonds..” That’s a joke, right? He played his best when steroids were just an afterthought. Since then, the absence of steroids have affected his physical and mental toughness at the plate. His production plummeted, and he really only played on days when he was up to it. And this was when a team actually wanted him.

So this is what the Braves need? A renowned cancer in the clubhouse who probably won’t even reproduce his mediocre numbers from a year ago. He’d probably generate walks, but an extra runner on first base every other day wouldn’t matter for a team that can’t hit in the clutch.

Also, defense is more important than you’re letting on. Left field might be the least important defensive position on the field, but think about the liklihood of Bonds lasting half of a season out there. Last year, the guy could barely run to first base and play left field while playing every other game.

That’s why I disagree. I agree wtih you on the fact that fans would sacrifice reputation for performance any day, but in this case we don’t even get performance. So why disrespect Aaron for a player that’s not going to make a difference?

You’re absolutely right. The Braves have an anemic offense and are one of the most boring teams to watch on TV (along with my hometown Padres). Bonds gives me a reason to pay attention.

I think he’d thrive with the Yankees, playing to sell outs at home and on the road. But, unfortunately, the Selig edict seems to have been passed down to every team not to sign him.

Too bad.

I’m baffled how people can come to an intelligent, rational site like JC’s and react so irrationally.

Braves Girl: It is wrong to compare Diaz and Ichiro in OBP over the last two years in that Ichrio has more than double the at bats than Diaz. (Ichrio in 06& 07 has 1373 AB’s/ Diaz 655) Diaz is a below average hitter (just throw him an outside slider and he will K every time) and a below average outfielder.

And as far as revenue goes it makes perfect sense, since this is a business. People would line up around the corner just to boo him. The main goal here is to make a profit.

Oh JC one question. How long before the Braves send Manny Acosta else where but on the mound to blow games?

So Smoltz is a bad man because he compared homosexuality to bestiality?? Thats rediculous. I say it makes him a better man and I like him even more now.

Thats exactly what I was thinking!!!!