Whoa

Re: Whoa

This makes me Barry sad

Giant Expectations

by UnleashTheGore on Sep 21, 2007 4:20 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

theres still barry zito... ok that just statement just made me barry sad too

Free Justin Knoedler! (not by trading him to another team though)

by llamalimbo1 on Sep 21, 2007 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

Yer one more example of why I love Bonds. This guy gets crapped on the media for being a jerk, yet he consistently says the right thing:

"Although I am disappointed, I've always said baseball is a business , and I respect their decision. However, I am saddened and upset that I was not given an earlier opportunity to properly say goodbye to you, my fans, and celebrate with the city throughout the season as I truly believe this was not a last-minute decision by the Giants, but one that was made some time ago.

"I don't have, nor do I want any ill feelings towards the organization, I just wish I had known sooner so we had more time to say our goodbyes and celebrate the best 15 years of my life."

That's classy, period. Plus, its honest, which I like. If the Giants somehow fail to win the world series next year (impossible, I know, but still) then I sure as hell hope the Angels or whoever he signs with takes the crown.

thanks Barry, and good luck!

Merkin Valdez career SO/9: 10.8

by Poe on Sep 21, 2007 4:22 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

I'm sad, too, but let's not get delusional. Bonds has consistently not said the right thing for most of his career. This was a classy statement, sure, but bet your bottom dollar it went through his agent, PR handlers, etc etc.

Jesse Foppert: Welcome home, my son. And meet your adopted brother, Kelvin Pichardo. He's from the Dominican Republic.

by leftymalo on Sep 21, 2007 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

I disagree. He's usually pretty straight up. When he's a jerk its about the media itself, not about the fans or the game.

Merkin Valdez career SO/9: 10.8

by Poe on Sep 21, 2007 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

This makes me really sad. A lot sadder than I thought it would.

Who dat is? That's just Ortmeier's daddy.

by rotorueter on Sep 21, 2007 4:23 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

Ditto

Giant Expectations

by UnleashTheGore on Sep 21, 2007 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

Just wait until next year when we've got nobody on the field that's capable of hitting the long ball. Then it will REALLY sink in.

I adopted Omar and have nothing good to say about this team. Footy season has kicked off, so I don't watch the Giants much anymore.

by PacBellBoozer on Sep 21, 2007 4:27 PM PDT up reply actions

But we have...

speed!!@1!!! and people who play hard and are not selfish

Flossing a dead horse

by kenshin1 on Sep 21, 2007 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: But we have...

And get dirt on their unis. Don't forget the dirt.

I wanted to see Bonds retire as a Giant, but I find myself strangely unaffected by this news. I guess I was expecting it. Or maybe I've just had my caring-about-the-Giants nerves deadened by months of crappy baseball.

SJ Giants, 2007 Cal League champs! Couldn't have done it without the All-Father.

by EliminateMe on Sep 21, 2007 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

Ahh...it all makes sense now, don't you see? This is why Sabean got us so many OFs! He was anticipating Barry leaving.

Well now we can realize him for the genius he is.

Giant Expectations

by UnleashTheGore on Sep 21, 2007 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

I'm pretty sure that, even with Bonds gone, they still can't play 12 outfielders. But I have been wrong before.

SJ Giants, 2007 Cal League champs! Couldn't have done it without the All-Father.

by EliminateMe on Sep 21, 2007 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

Well, if they play 3 in the inner outfield and 3 in the outer outfield each day, and then rotate, that would pretty much do the trick.

Dave Righetti: You don't know him. / Read My Blog, Because I Write It

by howtheyscored on Sep 21, 2007 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions

but...

why all the no-hit centerfielders?

Flossing a dead horse

by kenshin1 on Sep 21, 2007 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: but...

Because Sabean has forgotten what the lineup looked like the last time the Giants had a winning record at home.

Dave Righetti: You don't know him. / Read My Blog, Because I Write It

by howtheyscored on Sep 21, 2007 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

Fairwell, Barry. Thanks for the memories.

Matt Cain, cleanup hitter or starting pitcher?

by cain1rstballothof on Sep 21, 2007 4:23 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

So do we know when the Bye Bye Barry party will be at the ballpark? I'll move heaven and earth to go to that. I don't care if that makes me a brainless peon. This guy has meant a lot to me for most of my G-D life. I want to be there to wish him farewell. I need to be there.

Strikeouts are boring. Besides that, they're fascist. Not boring: Emmanuel Burriss. Not facist: THE RETURN OF SF Dugout

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Sep 21, 2007 4:24 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

I'm going to miss him so much. Bonds has been the Giants for the entire time I've been a fan. :(

Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.

by jponry on Sep 21, 2007 4:26 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

Bond's statement was a pretty well handled affair. I am really sad though, him and the Giants have been my favorite thing about sports since I was 8.

I adopted Barry Bonds

by BondsApologist on Sep 21, 2007 4:27 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

I'll be rooting hard for Bonds to finally get his WS ring next year.

by xanthan on Sep 21, 2007 4:28 PM PDT reply actions

Vaya con Dios

Sad to see the Big Bat go.

Rehabbing for the Giants, Roooooooooooooos Ortiz

by Hac Man on Sep 21, 2007 4:29 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

Pure class.

Billy Hayes: Nine more big-league plate appearances than you.

by delorean on Sep 21, 2007 4:32 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

Am I the only one that's happy and relieved about this?

Now we can have some stupid banner celebration this week, cart out the 'legends' again, and then FINALLY move on with the future of the franchise.

by samboo on Sep 21, 2007 4:34 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

And what future is that? Dystopian?

Rehabbing for the Giants, Roooooooooooooos Ortiz

by Hac Man on Sep 21, 2007 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

I'm sorry you believe everything Bruce Jenkins says. :(

Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.

by jponry on Sep 21, 2007 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

I guess this would be a good time to let you know that you're in charge of the celebration. Don't mess it up! The fans are expecting a lot.

Barry Bombs gear | comics | Durham? I hardly know 'im!

by Natto on Sep 21, 2007 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

I would like to respectfully say that you have no idea what kind of timeline the future of this franchise is coming around on. Even playing in 2008, Bonds would have no effect on the future of this franchise, which won't manifest even in free agency until at least 2009.

Dave Righetti: You don't know him. / Read My Blog, Because I Write It

by howtheyscored on Sep 21, 2007 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

No , there are three of you. And you are all banned.

Waiting breastlessly for the Resurrection , hoping I didn't just kill it. Again.

by victor frankenstein on Sep 22, 2007 12:23 AM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

Is he shut down for the rest of the season or will he still come back to play at all after that toe sorts itself out?

Notgardo may be afraid to catch Niekro's knuckler. Mama didn't raise no fool.

by tk on Sep 21, 2007 4:35 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

Last I heard, was that he could see playing time at the end of this Reds series.

by xanthan on Sep 21, 2007 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Just call me Sgt. Sad Panda.

Even for those who thought he needed to go, you're not saddened in the least?

Im a sad sad panda.

And Boom Goes the Dynamite

by Andy from DC on Sep 21, 2007 4:37 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

Man, this really sucks. I hope he plays again before the season is over.

I adopted Barry Bonds

by BondsApologist on Sep 21, 2007 4:39 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

If he's really going, I'm glad I made a spot decision to get tickets to Sunday's game against the Reds.

Lon Simmons' adopted dad.

by Kitspool on Sep 21, 2007 4:41 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

Of course I'm sad, and of course he deserves a proper send off, but c'mon, would you prefer another off-season like last year with Barry parading himself through the winter meetings and the Giants pandering to him in the end?

by samboo on Sep 21, 2007 4:44 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

I'd prefer it to a Bonds-less Giants team next year.

Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.

by jponry on Sep 21, 2007 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm...

not sure you appreciate how few runs the Giants will score if they sign any other free agent not named Arod

Flossing a dead horse

by kenshin1 on Sep 21, 2007 4:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: I'm...

I'd like to make a motion placing any and all mentions of A-Rod in the "flossing a dead horse" category.

I'm sick of hearing people drone on about him, and if by some act of god we do pick him up, I'm done with this f'ing team.

Can I get a second on the motion?

I adopted Omar and have nothing good to say about this team. Footy season has kicked off, so I don't watch the Giants much anymore.

by PacBellBoozer on Sep 21, 2007 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: I'm...

For god's sake, seconded.

Dave Righetti: You don't know him. / Read My Blog, Because I Write It

by howtheyscored on Sep 21, 2007 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions

I was...

actually reluctant to write that line boozer.

But regardless of what you think of him as a player, he contributes a similar amount on offense to Bonds. Literally every single other player on the FA market is a huge step down.

Flossing a dead horse

by kenshin1 on Sep 21, 2007 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: I was...

I'm just sick of hearing his name. He could be the key to world peace for all I care. I would just like a few days of "A-Rod free" blathering and insights.

I'm not saying he's worth it or he isn't...I'm just tired of his name popping up over, and over, and over, and over again. We get it! He's out there, and we've supposedly got money to spend. I understand all of that.

I adopted Omar and have nothing good to say about this team. Footy season has kicked off, so I don't watch the Giants much anymore.

by PacBellBoozer on Sep 22, 2007 3:54 AM PDT up reply actions

Re: I was...

Here's a thought...d'you think A-Rod would rather play with Barry or without?

Waiting breastlessly for the Resurrection , hoping I didn't just kill it. Again.

by victor frankenstein on Sep 22, 2007 5:19 AM PDT up reply actions

Recently wakened ...

...and can't link two thoughts quickly enough to have them in one post...just because there's money in SF for Rodriguez doesn't guarantee Rodriguez for San Francisco. He just might not want to replace Barry as the big guy on the crappy team...

Waiting breastlessly for the Resurrection , hoping I didn't just kill it. Again.

by victor frankenstein on Sep 22, 2007 5:24 AM PDT up reply actions

Re: I'm...

Yeah, seconded, or thirded by now.

Brian Anderson: converting saves and dominating as best he can.

by JT Jordan on Sep 21, 2007 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: I'm...

The motion passes.

I adopted Omar and have nothing good to say about this team. Footy season has kicked off, so I don't watch the Giants much anymore.

by PacBellBoozer on Sep 22, 2007 3:52 AM PDT up reply actions

Re: I'm...

I don't think kenshin was saying that the Giants are likely to sign A-Rod, just that he's the only free agent remotely good enough to make them even a somewhat below-average offensive team.

Or maybe not. I don't want to put words in anyone's mouth. That's just how I read it.

Steve Kline: Pretty okay, but only on a whole season basis and not based on what he's doing now.

by groug on Sep 22, 2007 12:16 AM PDT up reply actions

Re: I'm...

Kenshin, you seem to be awfully defensive about other people being OK with Bonds leaving.

Statistically, the loss of Bonds is huge. But I don't think the Giants are going to be contenders in 2008 with, or without Bonds, so at what point is the development of younger guys (Schierholtz, Lewis, etc) at the major league level is more important than bring back Barry?

I'm OK with Bonds not coming back if the Giants use the open space on a couple of younger guys. This team was going to be terrible in '08 with Bonds or without him.

I'll miss him like hell but I'm alright with him not coming back.

by xanthan on Sep 21, 2007 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions

sigh....

I'd feel much better about it if I thought the Giants viewed it as an opportunity to develop their young players. In reality I expect them to sign a veteran star attraction replacement. In the end the Giants will:

still suck next year
not develop any young players
signed a contract that will hurt them in the long term.

Flossing a dead horse

by kenshin1 on Sep 21, 2007 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: sigh....

You could be jumping the gun but I'm stupidly hopeful that they'll use the opportunity on a younger player. I'll try and keep that opinion until they do something like you've described.

I'm in agreement with you, I don't want a FA like Jones or Hunter.

by xanthan on Sep 21, 2007 5:10 PM PDT up reply actions

have the Sabean/Magowen...

era Giants ever acted differently?

Flossing a dead horse

by kenshin1 on Sep 21, 2007 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

I'd prefer they just freaking sign him early.

by otis29 on Sep 21, 2007 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

This just doesn't make sense on any level. He's light years beyond any of the C- outfield prospects currently roaming the clubhouse, and he's still a huge attendance draw.

Barry Bonds has always been synonymous with the Giants, since I was 10 when he came to SF. I didn't think I'd actually care so much when he left, but I do. Oof.

by Steve on Sep 21, 2007 4:47 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

What surprises me is how much I actually didn't believe it would happen. I mean, I knew the org didn't want to, and was going to put up their fists before taking him back... but I guess I really believed that sense and business would actually win out over petty ego...

I can't believe it. Really.

Dave Righetti: You don't know him. / Read My Blog, Because I Write It

by howtheyscored on Sep 21, 2007 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions

That's...

what I don't understand. Does Sabean really think the inevitable 5 year 90 million dollar Tori Hunter contract is a better use of resources?

Here's how the offseason will play out:

Sabes: Hello Mr. Rodriguez, we would like you to come play for the Giants

Arod: Uhhh, I resigned with the Yankees on tuesday

Sabes: Oh noooos

Sabes: Hello Mr. Hunter! I am going to offer you this blank sheet. Please write down a number of years and money you think appropriate.

Hunter: err, really?

Sabes: Of course. This is how we operate in the Giants organization

Hunter signs his contract

Sabes: YAY! We Will win it all this season

Flossing a dead horse

by kenshin1 on Sep 21, 2007 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: That's...

Great, now I am even more depressed!

Atleast Sabean is locked up for another 2 years...

I need a drink.

Adopted Giant Brian Wilson: Welcome Back!

by sfgreg on Sep 21, 2007 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: That's...

I have to say, you pretty much nailed it there. Barry Bonds may not be on the next Giants team that contends but neither will A-Rod or Hunter. Nikolai Bonds might be, though.

Lon Simmons' adopted dad.

by Kitspool on Sep 21, 2007 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

Can he still play in our softball game?

Dave Righetti: You don't know him. / Read My Blog, Because I Write It

by howtheyscored on Sep 21, 2007 4:49 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

If we can come up with the $500K, sure.

SJ Giants, 2007 Cal League champs! Couldn't have done it without the All-Father.

by EliminateMe on Sep 21, 2007 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

Well, I guess all I can really say is that I hope this means they are actually going to rebuild and they aren't going to just try the same crap they do every year sans Bonds.

Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.

by jponry on Sep 21, 2007 4:51 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

It's kind of hard for me to wrap my head around this. Thanks for the memories Barry.

by Caught Backcourt on Sep 21, 2007 4:54 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

Goodbye to Barry Bonds- the most prodigious offensive force since Babe Ruth. Great Giant. Legendary Giant. I really love the guy as a baseball player. Lamar will always be in my "inner circle" of favorite Giants of all time, with Will Clark, Chritsy Matthewson, and Willie Mays.

I applaud Barry for being so professional and positive in his blog. The Angels, Mariners, Tigers, Yankees, A's, Rangers... Barry will land on his feet, and probably play 2 more years. May he pass 3000 hits, bring his career Batting Average back above .300, finally have someone decent hit behind him, win his cherished and deserved ring, and go into the HOF as one the best Giants ever, and the best LF of all time.

Love you Barry-- godspeed!

Defender of Noah Lowry.

by Kid Fresh on Sep 21, 2007 4:56 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

What a smack back...if he went into the HOF as a member of the team he wins the Series with!

Waiting breastlessly for the Resurrection , hoping I didn't just kill it. Again.

by victor frankenstein on Sep 22, 2007 12:28 AM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

If Bonds is indeed elected into the Hall of Fame, there's 100% chance Bonds he'll be wearing a Giants cap.

Jeff Kent is the intresting one. Despite amazing numbers, Kent has has a bit of a journeyman career, and won his only MVP in SF...

Defender of Noah Lowry.

by Kid Fresh on Sep 22, 2007 4:51 AM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

With Barry gone the door's wide open for Pornstache to return to second!
Other idiot thoughts as they happen.

Waiting breastlessly for the Resurrection , hoping I didn't just kill it. Again.

by victor frankenstein on Sep 22, 2007 5:28 AM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

I, like many others, am surprised at how upset I am over this news. I just don't get it. Are we looking to field a lineup with a bunch of hacks? This is a bullshit move, this team already can't score runs and they are going to take away their best hitter?

That's just great, now it frees up the money to sign Mike Lowell and Andruw Jones to 10yr contracts!!

If it's true then Goodbye Barry!! You were/are a joy to watch and I wish you good luck on your quest to get a ring.

Adopted Giant Brian Wilson: Welcome Back!

by sfgreg on Sep 21, 2007 4:56 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

It is the right baseball move and the right organizational move. Even though the Giants will miss his bat, I don't think most of the players will miss his attitude. As a long time Giant fan I remember when the Giants drafted him out of high school and was very disappointed when they would not cough up the asked for signing bonus. I remember be blown away and exhilerated when they signed him as a free agent. I have watched him hit many home runs, both in person and mostly on the television or listening on the radio. I remember seeing transform from slender Barry to "Big Barry" and reading the articles about his monsterous work outs and wondering. I have defended him numerous times and I am really glad that he was a Giant for all these many years. I will miss him. I hope he signs with an American League club, gets his 3,000 hits and finally takes home a ring and I hope he wears his Giants hat when he is inducted into the HOF. With all that said, I am satisfied with this decision by the Giants.

by APGiantsFan on Sep 21, 2007 5:09 PM PDT reply actions

+1

I can't agree with you more on this. Well put.

Brian Anderson: converting saves and dominating as best he can.

by JT Jordan on Sep 21, 2007 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: +0

And I just can't agree with this. Wierd.

The part about it being a good organizational move, I mean. The rest is nice and all.

Dave Righetti: You don't know him. / Read My Blog, Because I Write It

by howtheyscored on Sep 21, 2007 8:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

Damn it, the man has the highest OPS in the national league. If we bring back the rest of the old fart crowd, this team will lose a 100 games next year, while scoring 500 runs (optimistically).

Jonathan Sanchez. He's left-handed, like Barry Zito. His fastball breaks 80, unlike Zito.

by Aadik on Sep 21, 2007 5:10 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

haha, did McGowan just use the Chicago White Sox as an example of a team that's turned it around after a bad year?

Whaaa?

They've turned it around alright, but in the wrong direction. They've been awful this year.

by xanthan on Sep 21, 2007 5:16 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

Also, Sabean made some comment along the lines of how with the pitching in the NL West, "it doesn't make a diffference how many runs we score", so ergo Barry's presence doesn't matter. Exsqueeze me?

Lon Simmons' adopted dad.

by Kitspool on Sep 21, 2007 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

Mind-boggling. Just mind-boggling.

Who dat is? That's just Ortmeier's daddy.

by rotorueter on Sep 21, 2007 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

they seriously just do not get it.

Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.

by jponry on Sep 21, 2007 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions

good.,..

thing the indications are our rotation is going to be awesome next year.

Oh wait... you're telling me most of the indications show that the pitching will not be awesome next year?

Crap

Flossing a dead horse

by kenshin1 on Sep 21, 2007 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: good.,..

your "indications" are about as useful as that vr xei dodger guy's simulations

***

Succumb to the Enchanted t-shirt! Adopted dad of Minor Izzy

by hairball on Sep 21, 2007 5:30 PM PDT up reply actions

yep....

now feel free to climb back into your cave and continue to fashion primitive tools from stones.

Flossing a dead horse

by kenshin1 on Sep 21, 2007 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

The White Sox actually have a worse winning percentage than we do this year.

Maybe he was thinking about the year they won the WS? 2 years ago

by xanthan on Sep 21, 2007 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

the White Sox basically had a few years of being a decent team, with one flukey awesome year thrown in the middle.

Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.

by jponry on Sep 21, 2007 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

TEAM SPEED

Who dat is? That's just Ortmeier's daddy.

by rotorueter on Sep 21, 2007 5:18 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

I wish him the best next year!

If he hooks up with another team, I will be curious to see that team's fans' reaction to him.

by Cleophus on Sep 21, 2007 5:22 PM PDT reply actions

Sabean Sez

"We came so close in 2002, in a lot of ways we did win"

This is the weirdest press conference ever.

Sabean said that by the way, in response to whether they felt if they had squander the opportunity of having the best player over 15 years and not winning a ring.

by xanthan on Sep 21, 2007 5:26 PM PDT reply actions

and that...

my friend is the best quote of the Sabean era.

Flossing a dead horse

by kenshin1 on Sep 21, 2007 5:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

what the fuck is this?

sabeaflk;jasd;fan just said

1 - it wasn't about money
and
2 - he is still their best hitter.

fuuuuuuuuuuuuck yooooooooooooooooou sabes and magowan

by positiveuphemism on Sep 21, 2007 5:34 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

yuck.
lame
barf
party
foul

"Bri-an Sab-e-an, I hope you're satisfied with what you've done..."

by The Gene Hackman on Sep 21, 2007 6:04 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

I can't believe it. I just can't.

by kwyjibo on Sep 21, 2007 6:08 PM PDT reply actions

Hard to believe

There goes the best player I've ever seen. There goes the greatest hitter any of us have ever seen. There goes a man who has dominated his sport like no other for a decade. There goes a man who's been written off countless times over the past three years, but is still, when he plays, the best hitter in baseball. And all in the uniform of his home-town team, where he wants to end his career.

But that team doesn't want him around any more.

The past couple of years haven't been fun, but this really feels like the final kick in the crotch. Maybe I'll feel different tomorrow, but I really don't want to be a Giants fan right now.

by Salemicus on Sep 21, 2007 6:39 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

I've been saying it since 02. This has always been about Magowan and his ego.

The two faces most associated with WINNING BASEBALL in San Francisco were Baker and Bonds.

Very classy of Magowan in handling the departures of both.

In the meantime, the franchise has once again, as it did under Stoneham and then again under Lurie, hit bottom and become a laughing stock. Dave Roberts, starting lf...nuff said.

Barry Zito -- Catch Me if You Can.

by E Ticket on Sep 21, 2007 7:46 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

I can't agree with this more.

Dave Righetti: You don't know him. / Read My Blog, Because I Write It

by howtheyscored on Sep 21, 2007 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

and i can't agree with you agreeing with him more.
magowan should retire.

"Bri-an Sab-e-an, I hope you're satisfied with what you've done..."

by The Gene Hackman on Sep 22, 2007 8:29 AM PDT up reply actions

well

sometimes you just have to hit rock bottom before you check into rehab. I am thinking Betty Ford, 2009.

by zenbitz on Sep 21, 2007 8:26 PM PDT reply actions

Re: well

As Amy Winehouse is proving, even rehab can't save you if you've f'ing lost it completely!

I adopted Omar and have nothing good to say about this team. Footy season has kicked off, so I don't watch the Giants much anymore.

by PacBellBoozer on Sep 22, 2007 2:35 AM PDT up reply actions

Sad

I kind of understand, and I know we need to be starting guys like Schierholtz every single day, but this makes me feel awful.

Barry Bonds was the best I ever saw. I can still remember the first time I saw him play in person, in the spring of 1993. He went 4 for 5 with three doubles and a stolen base. He was simply playing a different game on a different level. I have seen the man hit half a dozen walk off homers, or so it feels. I'm really going to miss the Bonds era.

Proud member of the Adopt-a-Marlin program (Todd Linden)

by antinous on Sep 21, 2007 9:06 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

I can't believe anyone is surprised by this news. The Giants proved this year they can't help but overpay for anyone named Barry's services. And what's wrong with Tory Hunter (as if the Giants could afford him)? He's only got a .336 OBP but he's a terrific centerfielder and more than makes up for any slight offensive shortcomings (compared to today's Bonds) with his glove, while Bonds has been an atrociously bad fielder for years. After all, it's not the Bonds of 1993-2004 we're losing. And I haven't forgotten 25's misplay in left field during the meltdown in the sixth game of the '02 World Series. Or this year's embarrassing spectacle of Bochy being forced to pull Bonds out of a game for loafing in left field.

I also see little class in his statement, with it's whining about mistreatment by the club that made him a multimillionaire many times over, including this years' 15 mil gift, a club that allowed him to dictate the terms of his employment to management and ownership, to the detriment of team morale.

Good riddance. The Giants might be lousy for years but it will be easier to root for them without an over-the-hill, arrogant jerk being the centerpiece of the team.

by natpastime on Sep 21, 2007 9:08 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

Not really digging your comment. ;) But I'm not really a Giants fan, I'm a Barry Bonds fan. So I'm just wondering who my new favorite team is going to be! Good riddance Giants!

MLB Blog

by bigshowbaseball on Sep 21, 2007 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

Good riddance to the greatest player any of us who never had the chance to watch Mays play will ever see on the team that he defined for most of our lives?

That's crazy.

Dave Righetti: You don't know him. / Read My Blog, Because I Write It

by howtheyscored on Sep 21, 2007 9:34 PM PDT up reply actions

Bonds

has been worth about 45-50 runs above average offensively this season. Hunter 15-20. Bonds' OPS+ this year: 174, Hunter: 125.

This is the 2nd best season of Hunter's career. Typically, he is worth about 5-10 runs above average offensively.

Even if you believe that Bonds is a replacement level defender, ie -20 runs, and that Hunter is the best defensive CF in the majors, ie +20 runs, Hunter would only be better than Bonds in a career year.

As for Hunter making up for his offensive shortcomings, UZR has him at +10 runs defensively this year. THT's RZR has him middle of the pack in zone rating, 5th among AL CFs in out of zone plays. This yeer +30 runs in total, +20 offensively, +10 defensively. If Hunter has a typical year he is about +10 runs offensively, +10 runs defensively, total +20 runs.

Taking into account defense Bonds is about 30 runs, 3 wins above average, +50 runs offensively, -20 runs defensively, this year. This is using the worst case estimation of Bonds' defense. That is worth about $20 million in the current market.

Furthermore, to sign Hunter, a multiyear contract would be necessary.

by rfloh on Sep 21, 2007 11:45 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

In a way I think it's good for Bonds because being a DH should allow him many more at bats and he could have a real shot at a world series in '08 if he signs with a good club.

As far as the Giants decision - I can understand wanting to move forward because it's obvious the Giants are not going to be contending any time soon.

MLB Blog

by bigshowbaseball on Sep 21, 2007 9:14 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

I'm squarely in the camp that says it's time for Bonds to move on. But wow, this moment makes me sad sad sad. Watching him play baseball has been one of the great consistent pleasures of my life.

by Evan on Sep 21, 2007 9:26 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

This sucks. Whether the Giants were good or bad, Bonds made watching them worthwhile. He is easily the best player I ever saw, and the best any of you have ever seen unless you are old enough and want to argue Mays.

I don't care if Bonds is surly. I don't care if he treats Bruce Jenkins and friends like crap. The Giants could win the WS next year and I would still rue that Bonds wasn't there.

I feel emptier today, and I can only imagine how I'll feel on Opening Day next year. Thanks for all the years, Barry. I am going to miss you.

by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Sep 21, 2007 9:56 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSs.

The rally pumpkin guy, round and full of seeds; unlike the Giants.

by jtoj on Sep 21, 2007 10:07 PM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

I wonder what Barry would say if someone asked him "Would you rather play one more year in San Francisco or have a chance to win a World Series?"

As for the news: eh. Saw it coming.

Steve Kline: Pretty okay, but only on a whole season basis and not based on what he's doing now.

by groug on Sep 22, 2007 12:19 AM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

The answer to this is how clearly disappointed he is in having to leave.

by Rain Dog on Sep 22, 2007 12:49 AM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

He's been saying for months that he wants to be a Giant next year. He's been putting the ring second in his priorities the whole time. He's been saying this. So we know.

Dave Righetti: You don't know him. / Read My Blog, Because I Write It

by howtheyscored on Sep 22, 2007 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions

Re: Whoa

I knew this day would come eventually, but now that it's here, it's difficult to grasp. I don't know what to think. It's going to be really hard seeing him in another uniform, if that happens. Man...

Barry Bombs gear | comics | Durham? I hardly know 'im!

by Natto on Sep 22, 2007 2:24 AM PDT reply actions

Re: Whoa

I've graduated high school, graduated college, gotten a real job, lived abroad, paid rent, started graduate school... but it's just now that my youth officially ends.

Thanks for the countless moments of joy, Bonds. It'll always be the Bay Barryea to me.