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?
