According to the Dreams Foundation of CA, all mammals dream.Dreams are funny things.So are nightmares which are just dreams that have less than desirable outcomes.Let me give you a rather personal example of how one man’s dreams are another man’s nightmares.For my son, a trip to Cold Stone is a wonderful dream.As we approach the counter and decide which delicious concoction that our taste buds will encounter, we find out that the daily supplies did not arrive and therefore they are out of ice cream.My son would leave the establishment in tears of sorrow while my wife would be in nirvana realizing that my ever expanding waistline was safe for another day.
Webster’s Dictionary has nine entries for the word dream.The two that most of us think about would probably be:
1: a series of thoughts, images, or emotions occurring during sleep
4 a: a strongly desired goal or purpose <a dream of becoming president> b: something that fully satisfies a wish
I will not discuss the nature of my dreams which fit into the first definition, but as a child I had dreams of being a professional basketball player, but the fact that I am vertically challenged both in height and the ability to leap, all of which are genetically linked, I settled for coaching instead.Maybe I could have pursued my dream to play in the NBA under the American for Disabilities Act much the same way that Casey Martin won an appeal to use a cart on the PGA, but somehow I did not see myself on the bench as the token ADA player.
In the sporting world, one man’s dreams may be another man’s nightmares is never more true.Here is one dream that I would love to see come to pass but might just be your nightmare.
My dream, your nightmare, is that George Steinbrenner picks up the phone and calls Barry Bonds and makes him one of The Bosses’ patented “can’t say no” deals so that Barry decides to come to New York next year as a DH.Can you imagine seeing Barry in Yankee pinstripes?Some have argued that Bonds has already said that he would not DH but I would like to put forth some reasons I believe he may just shock everyone, except for me and George, and put on the Yankee ball cap next year if not sooner.
He could DH for two more years and easily pass Aaron for the all-time leader in HR’s.Not having to play the outfield will ease the burden on his ancient frame and anyone who does not believe that Barry is competitive and wants that HR title does not know what it feels like to be a professional athlete.In the fictional book, Game of Shadows, the authors tell us that one of the driving forces behind Bonds’ decision to take steroids was because he was jealous of Mark McGwire’s single season record.If there is any truth to this tall tale, then the fires of competition that burn deep within Barry will not let him rest until the last ember is put out by finally passing Henry Aaron on the all time list.
Twenty million dollars is a lot of money for anyone to pass up.For someone who may never work in baseball again, Barry needs to earn all that he can in the next few years.The irony in all of this is that Babe Ruth so desperately wanted to manage the Yankees when he retired and yet he was so hated in his day that he was never allowed to work with the organization in any significant capacity.If the treatment of Barry prior to retirement is any indicator of how he will be treated, Bonds will be no different than Ruth.Barry needs to keep on bringing home a paycheck as long as he can swing a bat.
Age is not a factor.Julio Franco is a prime example of a player who can continue to play even in the NL as a part time DH.(For those who think a player can not put on muscle in their 40's just look at Julio's rookie card and then look at him today. He is at least 40 lbs. heavier and all muscle. That is just a skinny kid in that rookie card, sort of reminds me of Barry as a rookie.)Barry is still in good health with the exception of his knee.Rest and being a DH will take care of all that ails him.
The last reason he may continue to play is that as long as he is hitting HR’s it gives him a diversion from all of the perjury talk and those that insist he will go to jail.Just three weeks ago everyone was claiming he was in serious trouble and going to be indicted for perjury, but alas it is not to be.You see for perjury charges to be proven you need to prove intent which is almost never proven.Bill Clinton stood and asked the world to define the word “is” and walked away without perjury charges and so will Barry.That does not mean he did not lie just as Clinton surely lied to Hillary, Monica, and his other mistresses, but proving it is an entirely different thing.As long as Barry plays, he has a reason to get up and prove the world wrong. It is also interesting that some people have said that Barry has made statements saying he will never DH. Those same individuals claim Barry is lying about steroids so what is to prevent him from lying about being a DH.
In a perfect world, I would love to see it happen tomorrow so Bonds could pass Babe Ruth on the HR list as a Yankee.I guess I can always dream or is that someone else's nightmare!
SoCalSportsFan
*For those who have still not figured out sarcasm, Game of Shadows is a book that is carried in the non-fiction aisle at Barne's and Nobles, but I tend to believe any book that bases its facts on hearsay as fiction. Watch Hoodwinked and you will see how one person's perspective can be entirely wrong.Also check out the link to Bill and Monica for a funny picture.*
Hi Socal, I've considered the possibility that Bonds could end his career as a Yankee as well. Obviously the ability to DH would add potentially 1000 or more at-bats to his career. As far as him saying he would never DH, athletes constantly say things which turn out not to be true. Not necessarily because they're lying, just because circumstances change, and athletes aren't known for looking too far in the future.
As a Red Sox fan, having to watch Bonds hit 19 games a year would be the worst kind of torture, but I wouldn't be a bit surprised if it came to pass....
Socal, I liked this read alot. You changed up your game. Nicely done. But, hey, if you can't get Barry in pinstripes, I hear Sammy's looking pretty slim and trim these days.
Pat, I already made this call in another post as well. SO I guess Mean you can hold me to it as well. Thanks for the comments guys.
Travis, GOS is fiction in my book because it is all he said. The evidence is supposedly sealed grand jury testimony, so until it is unsealed it is the same as The Davinci Code to me. Of course, some think Dan Brown speaks the Gospel truth.
Bonds in New York I do not think so the last Forty something Hall of Famer NY brought in was THE UNIT look how that turned out. King George is looking for pitching guys and he will find it and spend his money there he already has ageing steroid abuser in Giambi he will not have two. So good Blog but just do not agree with Bonds to NY BONDS IN NEW YORK THINK ABOUT IT MEDIA AND FANS WOULD EAT HIM ALIVE AND HE IS GOING TO BREAK THEIR ICONS RECORD NOT HAPPENING NO WAY BONDS IN YANKEE ROSTER 07.
Last edited by lakersfan987 on May 18th at 9:41 PM.
lakers fan, it could happen. As to breaking their icons record, that will be old news when he arrives. As to over 40 something, Giambi is younger, and Barry is still good for 30+ Hr. George knows this.
socal, great post, sir! Really nice read! But it mentioned Bonds AGAIN...'nuff said. Anyhoo, you made some great points about how being a DH would be a wise career move ($ and health) for that guy. Honestly, I can't say whether it would be a dream or a nightmare. My mind's all fixated on getting rid of this damn rash! =)
Socal, good job. My son (and wife) are also Cold Stone fanatics who would weep if their favorite flavor was out that particular day, so I can relate to that nightmare.
I'm not a Barry Bonds fan, or supporter, and you already know I think he has used steroids (which is simply my opinion). That said and discounted, since my comment has nothing to do with those factors, here's what I think about Barry to the Yankees: It would work perfectly, but not in the way many would think. Barry would face tougher pitching in the AL East than he does in the NL West, and though he could play longer, wouldn't be anywhere near the force he has been in the past. As we have seen lately, Barry may be one of the best hitters ever(all allegations aside for a moment), but he hasn't been very good this season, his numbers are way down from what we're used to. The older you get, the harder it is to get everything back in line (as evidenced by Randy Johnson this season). Now, if I'm completely wrong and Barry gets to the Yankees and goes on a streak, as HalfBaked eluded to, us Red Sox fans aren't going to be happy. Good writing and nice post.
While I bellieve Selig blocks his path past Aaron Bonds ego certainly is driving him to DH which is the perfect marriage between two abominations that need to be excised from baseball...throw in Selig and you have 3 abominations...
Just, thanks for the comments. Sportsnutz, I too say free Cuban.
Moore, steroids aside, Barry is still a great hitter. Do you realize in his last 22 at bats he has been walked? One of the reasons Barry is notoriously slow to get his rhythm is that he does not see enough pitches. If he were to DH, he would not sit out games, pitchers would have to pitch to him depending on which part of the order he is placed, and his BA will go up. Just my opinion.
Ed, Selig is the biggest of the three abominations.
Just want your take on this: how would he be recieved in New York? What if he slumped, like Johnson or A-Rod? Would Cashman even allow this transaction with all the recent problems they've had (i.e. Johnson, Pavano, etc?) It would be interesting if it were to occur.
Socal - I could definately see it happening. His agent has already said that the AL and the DH are a major consideration. As for the Yankees, George is no dummy regardless of opinions. Bonds would work in New York if for no other reason than his presence means huge gate. And while he may be struggling he is not through. After he passes Ruth the noise will quiet down for a while. He seemed to be picking up the pace when Moises Alou went down with a bad ankle. I think I heard 4-6 weeks until his return a couple of weeks ago. Alou in the lineup meant Bonds was seeing better pitches. With the lineup in New York he would have to see better pitches because of who would be hitting around him. I could see it happening. As usual you present a good read.
Moore, if he slumped he would be booed, but the first time he hit a HR over RF, he would be cheered and every time he hit a HR he would be cheered. NY loves a winner and that is all that matters.
SoCal: Barry has already publically stated (last year, I believe it was) that, if he is to DH, he wants to do it only on the West Coast. That leaves him three choices--the A's, the Angels and the M's. The A's would make the most sense, because they are in the same market that he currently plays in. The Angels would be second, but I can't see he and Vlad the Impaler on the same team (or maybe it's that I don't WANT to see them on the same team.....) and there is NO WAY that he is coming to Seattle (except in June this year, that is) and it is not a money issue. Although if, as rumors flying around town now have it, Hargrove is dumped in favor of Baker, he might reconsider that if the money were there. We will all just have to wait and see, I guess.
All valid points Sleepless. I would agree with you, but if George offers him 20 mil a year for two years, it would be hard to turn down. I am not sure anyone else will be willing to pay him that kind of money. I also don't think he is worth 20 million a year to anyone else but NY.
What about the NY media? Barry has cracked more than a few times on front of reporters over the past few years...what would happen when he has NY sports reporters in his face every day? He seems to handle the outside pressures with some success, but I think NY may be just too much to overcome.
Nice work SoCal. I agree with your thoughts and the way you were able to work Bill Clinton and his antics into a sports article about Barry Bonds AND the New York Yankees is just pure brilliance!
Socal, another fine piece, but I have to disagree. I think Bonds will retire after the season, and if he doesn't, he'll either return to the Giants or DH for the LA Angels of Anaheim. As has already been mentioned, the Yankees have reaped what they've sown in giving over-the-hill players gargantuan contracts, and I think they'd be hestitant to do it again, especially to a player who is the ire of the sports world, and has seen a drastic decline in health and production.
And yes, I think the New York media would overwhelm Bonds; they're not exactly a perfect match.
SoCal,
I always enjoy your posts... nice work. I had a dream that I blogged about a few weeks back, but it was about KC and TB playing in the ALCS. Your dream is just a tad more realistic... ok fine, a lot more realistic. Anyway, Bonds says that he won't break the record, and that he doesn't care... but he does. I see him finding a way to play one more year, and DH is the option that makes the most sense for Barry. Bonds as a DH for the Yanks would not surprise me... though in my mind, Barry playing for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim or Oakland is more likely. Take care - KP
ksp, thanks for the comments.
Brownsnake, thanks for popping in. Loved your post and left comments earlier.
Ultra, its not really a disagreement, because this is just a dream. I agree with you that it makes more sense to DH west coast style as sleepless also indicates, I just like to dream. I also hope NY will still pull the big deal everyone once and awhile, Cashman aside, if George wants it to happen George makes the call.
Crabman, excellent way to bring in Jamba Juice. I saw a SNL skit on Jamba and we never had them in TN. Do you think he is still juiced?
Tom, media is a problem, but if you produce the media leaves you alone in NY. Barry is the one player who has had the pressure of the media his entire career and I don't think NY can possibly be more invasive than he has endured to date.
The last thing the Yankees need is another geezer in the lineup. Christ sake they need to be looking at where they can get some fresh blood in there. Jeter, A-Rod, and the rest of the crew aren't going to last forever. And I would like to see some more long tenured players in the organization. Players like Jeter and Williams. I hate rooting against someone(i.e. Johnny Damon) one year then rooting for him the next.
Sofa, I agree with all you said, but if you are going to get an old timer in there, DH is the one spot that seems made for a great hitter who can do nothing else at that stage in their career. The Yankees need an everyday CF and do need to start looking for a new 1st base, but DH, that is made for Bonds. If you don't pitch to him, he walks and you have a base runner. If you pitch to him, he hits it out of the park.
Yeah but he really isn't turning on the ball all that well with that bad knee. Supposedly he has got bone on bone action in that knee which can't be good. Plus I hate Barry and I love the Yankees. You like my 1987 Don Mattingly Topps card?
Thanks for the Article. They make it sound like Billy wants him. I do believe Barry will be DHing somewhere next year. I think he wants to pass Aaron too even if he won't admit it. Have a great weekend.
Great engaging writing and thoughts. I am no longer a Yankee fan (I was from the mid-nineties until '98 when they dropped my dream hero Raines), but if they keep losing for another decade, maybe I could see them getting another ring. 2016, 2020, the US will have won the World Cup by then...
I like Bonds to break Aaron's record, too, but I like Griffey even more. Harder stretch, based on history, issues...And tTHEN there are the rest...A-Rod, etc.
My promo:
Want to know why I think the US has the best sports institutions, organized teams like in MLB, NFL, NBA? (Please read me, and I will reciprocate!)
I'm too creative to need to take other people's ideas. In fact I'm pretty sure I wrote about this business of swagger months ago talking about the Lakers. You can look through my old entries if you don't have anything else better to do.
Mustang, I have no desire to wade through your "material". If you can show me a post you wrote, that is like mean, detailing SWAGGER, then great, but actually, I read very little of your stuff. The fact is, you were the first to post a comment on my post on Swagger, and lo and behold now you are using it in your own. Another blogger on here did a post on swagger, but gave me props for the idea. Judges can decide on plagiarism, I don't have too.
Well said SoCal. If Book of Shadows is non-fiction than Michael Moore is an academy award winning director for documentary, oh wait, bad analogy. LOL.
As for the prospect of Barry going to NY, I think we have passed the time that could have happened. I have to agree with Sleepless on the W.C. thing as being the more likely scenario.
Still it wouldn't surprise me if it happened, if nothing else it would be a great publicity stunt for George's Yankees.
G, I think sleepless is right too. It was just a dream. It does look like Barry may play for the A's instead, but if he still wants to win a ring, the Yankees makes more sense because George is willing to spend whatever it takes to get back to the promised land.
Eric Chavez says he wants to see Barry in an A's uniform next year. Not sure what that would do for Frank thomas, but that is a scenario I could see happening.
According to the 
My dream, your nightmare, 
He could DH for two more years and easily pass Aaron for the all-time leader in HR’s.
The last reason he may continue to play is that as long as he is hitting HR’s it gives him a diversion from all of the perjury talk and those that insist he will go to jail.
