2008 Woodie Awards
Barry Bonds going once, twice, anyone?
By: David Sons
Issue date: 4/9/08 Section: Sports
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The Major League Baseball season is in full swing and the home run king is on the free agency list. Something is wrong with this picture.
Even though his contract would be as juiced as he is, having Barry Bonds on your team to pinch hit in the bottom of the ninth is much better than having some AAA scrub or 12-team journeyman to face the opposing teams best closer.
Barry Bonds in free agency and other stories in this week's edition of what to watch for Major League Baseball 2008.
Postseason Predictions
This year's playoffs should feature the best six American League teams, the Mets and maybe another American League team.
The National League has a lot of catching up to do as far as talent goes this season.
When you consider the Yankees and Red Sox's lineups alone and come up with an all-star team that would challenge the National League all-stars, you realize the difference in competition.
I realize that the best pitcher in baseball (Johan Santana, with only Josh Beckett as the other viable candidate) resides in the National League this season, and I do know that the Cubs are rumored to have a squad that will not choke down the stretch. But those are about the only advantages the National League has. There is always next season for the National League.
Bonds' Free Agency
Still, no one has signed Barry Bonds! Federal investigations and threat of incarceration aside, he would be a great addition to any team.
He is a clubhouse role model, good with the fans and the media and plays the game fairly and honestly.
I hope that by the end of this article some team like the Orioles has traded away half their bullpen and the rights to that building behind Camden Yards to make room for Bonds' contract negotiations.
Northeast Rivalry
The Red Sox/Yankees rivalry will be as heated as ever. With the Sox coming off their second World Series win in the last 4 years and the Yankees not having even made an appearance in the Series since 2003, this bitter sports rivalry will heat up this season.
The Sox are looking to repeat as division champs, and the Yankees want to use the freshness of skipper Joe Girardi, and the biggest payroll in baseball, to reestablish their dominance.
They meet for the first time this Friday, which should prove be a good series.
Early Season Wrap-Up
Barry is missing in action. By midseason, the Rangers will sign him for $43 a day and an unlimited supply of Big League Chew.
I hope that some team gets to him before the Yankees do though.
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