Jeff Fletcher of the Press Democrat asked Barry Bonds the right question at the right time and actually got an interesting answer: Bonds would be open to playing first base next year… although that might be a generous interpretation of his quote: "I can play any position any time.”
(Hat tip to Frank for the link.)
Fletcher is responsible enough, noting right after the quote that Bonds once admitted freely that he’s a bullshitter. ("Half the stuff I say, I don't believe.")
I wouldn’t bet much on Bonds playing 1B next year. How many grounders do you think he’d dive for? With his aching body and his inexperience at the position, he’d be the worst defensive first baseman in baseball, and probably one of the worst of all-time. The Giants would have to play a 2B with extra range (ie., Frandsen, not Durham or Aurilia), and Barry’s bat would need to remain potent to make up for his shortcomings on D. But if all this was manageable, and he agreed to take a pay cut, how could the Giants say no? Would you?
Even at his "accelerated" age, Bonds + 1 other good hitter can suffice if the pitching stays as good as it should.
If there was anyone beyond Bonds who could reliably bring him in the offense would look quite different. Therefore, if Bonds wants back, I want him back. He's proven this year that he can still hit with the best of them. I wouldn't like paying him more than $10M or so but I'm sure he'll want higher.
Would Bonds' injury risk be higher as a first baseman than as a left fielder? It seems to me like the position would be more stressful on the knees.
No, no, a thousand times NO.
Tell him good-bye.
It's getting pathetic how he's practically begging now to stay one more year.
ENOUGH ALREADY! When are we just going to move on? Go get your 3000 hit in a Padre or Angel uniform... sheesh.
I am not sure he would last very long at 1st if the Giants brought him back. More likely, he would start off there in spring and then would want back in the outfield.
The decision to bring him back or not really is a tough call. 1.000+ OPS guys are not exactly common in the FA market. If they do become available, the type of contracts they demand are usually prohibitive for a team like the Giants. For a bargain price, I think you at least have to consider bringing him back.
On the other hand, there is the circus that goes along with Barry on the team. More than a few fans want to move on and feel the path back to respectability begins with a clean slate. Perhaps, but if you let Barry walk, who replaces his .600+ SLG? Do you try and spread it around the team?
I am torn. One part of me agrees with the clean slaters. The other wonders who will consistently hit for power when Barry leaves.
In any case, I seriously doubt Barry gives more than a cursory thought about 1st base.