behind the dugout

If we needed any more proof that we are in economic struggles then we need to look no further then the unemployment of Barry Bonds.

Barry Bonds, a big slugger who can draw tons of walks.

You would think Barry Bonds had been found guilty of something by the way big league clubs have stayed away from him this year.

Truth is we don’t really know any more then we knew last year and at that point the San Fransisco Giants went out and signed Bonds to a one year deal worth $15.8 million dollars.

Last season Bonds went on to break the all time home run mark finishing the year playing in 126 games hitting 28 home runs and compiling a .276/.480/.565 line.

Then suddenly with 762 big league homers the 43-year-old left handed hitting outfielder was out of a job.

Even the Giants who had celebrated Bonds during his steroid suspected career stayed away.

There were rumors that the Cardinals, Red Sox, Rays and others were taking a look at Bonds but nothing happened entering spring training.

There was also all sorts of talk of Bonds going to jail and other stories about the slugger as the season started, others suggested that once the season started we wouldn’t even hear Barry Bonds name.

Tonight it’s the home run derby and despite being in “fine” health the man with the most home runs in major league history hasn’t even gotten the bat off his shoulders this year. Heck he’s not even put on a uniform unless you count the silk pajama’s he wears around the house.

Barry Bonds is an after thought. Today his agent Jeff Borris even hinted that we have seen the last of Barry Bonds and baseball when he said that “prospects look bleak” for Bonds’ chances of playing this season. He also admitted that any recent reports of interest in Bond’s are just that, reports.

It doesn’t look like Barry Bonds is going to play baseball anymore and while I hate the man I sure as hell don’t know why. Sure he cheated on baseball, his taxes, his ex-wife and probably even when he had sex but the man is no more guilty today then he has been the last five years.

I can understand the fear that a team might feel it could alienate it’s fans but that didn’t seem to happen in San Fransisco last year when those in orange and black supported his every swing. I bet it would take just one Barry Bonds home run to change anyone’s opinion. You can hate a man and still hope he helps your team win.