We all knew it would come to this
I think it is now the responsibility of every Giant fan to formulate his or her opinion on Barry Bonds. Too much has come out to just say "He's a Giant, let's not pay attention to all that other stuff." I've had my problems with Bonds since he stopped playing the field, except for special occasions, around a decade ago. Still, a hitter of his calliber can't be dismissed because he chooses not to play defense. I've ridden the wave of home runs (that weekend against Atlanta the year he hit 73) and the World Series appearance without ever really being concerned. I knew he was taking stuff, but so had McGwire and others, so it just seemed to be part of the game.
And that's what stood out for me. Barry Bonds wasn't the only player to take steriods, he was just the best. It's been noted many times that he would have made the HOF had he just retired in 1998. Steriods don't help your plate awareness. But since it gave a great player an even bigger edge, he became this freak that couldn't avoid attention.
It was that point that cemented it for me. Bonds, and the attention surrounding him, is not good for the San Francisco Giants. The only reason to keep Bonds around is that the Giants might win the World Series. But Giants fans, would that feel good? I know I wouldn't throw it away or not accept it if it happens, but deep down I don't want my team's first championship in my home town to be clouded.
I realize that all of this is tied directly to the team by its acceptance of Bonds' abuse. Both sides need to take responsibility for this, becasue deep down both sides were cheating. But at some point you just have to say that everyone involved handled this as poorly as possible and move on. And when it gets to the point that fans can question whether or not they want their team to win it all with a certain player, things have gone too far.
I'm ready for the After-Barry era to start now, even if that means the team fights to win 60 games this year. We've known for years that a rebuilding phase was coming, and I'm excited to see what can be done with a blank slate. Hell, the Marlins have won two championships like that since 1993. Barry ties us to a past idea of constant competition that really doesn't exist anymore. The team just doesn't have the players to compete on an elite level this year, unless Matt Moris is really Roger Clemens in disguise. The longer Bonds is around, the more people in charge will avoid rebuilding and prolong an inevitable process.
At the same time it's hard for me to want to kick out someone that has given so much to the Giants. So as much as I want AB to start as soon as possible, I want to give Barry one more chance, one more year. One year to get done whatever he needs to, say goodbye, and hopefully move on with some dignity. Becasue as much as I hate whats happened to my team, this is a man's life and I don't wish anyone ill. Becasue as much as people talk about tarnishing the record book as the image of the game, it is just that. A game.
And that's what stood out for me. Barry Bonds wasn't the only player to take steriods, he was just the best. It's been noted many times that he would have made the HOF had he just retired in 1998. Steriods don't help your plate awareness. But since it gave a great player an even bigger edge, he became this freak that couldn't avoid attention.
It was that point that cemented it for me. Bonds, and the attention surrounding him, is not good for the San Francisco Giants. The only reason to keep Bonds around is that the Giants might win the World Series. But Giants fans, would that feel good? I know I wouldn't throw it away or not accept it if it happens, but deep down I don't want my team's first championship in my home town to be clouded.
I realize that all of this is tied directly to the team by its acceptance of Bonds' abuse. Both sides need to take responsibility for this, becasue deep down both sides were cheating. But at some point you just have to say that everyone involved handled this as poorly as possible and move on. And when it gets to the point that fans can question whether or not they want their team to win it all with a certain player, things have gone too far.
I'm ready for the After-Barry era to start now, even if that means the team fights to win 60 games this year. We've known for years that a rebuilding phase was coming, and I'm excited to see what can be done with a blank slate. Hell, the Marlins have won two championships like that since 1993. Barry ties us to a past idea of constant competition that really doesn't exist anymore. The team just doesn't have the players to compete on an elite level this year, unless Matt Moris is really Roger Clemens in disguise. The longer Bonds is around, the more people in charge will avoid rebuilding and prolong an inevitable process.
At the same time it's hard for me to want to kick out someone that has given so much to the Giants. So as much as I want AB to start as soon as possible, I want to give Barry one more chance, one more year. One year to get done whatever he needs to, say goodbye, and hopefully move on with some dignity. Becasue as much as I hate whats happened to my team, this is a man's life and I don't wish anyone ill. Becasue as much as people talk about tarnishing the record book as the image of the game, it is just that. A game.
posted by Chris at
9:57 AM
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