AT ISSUE
Collusion complaints ring hollow with Bonds
What: The players association has requested that the commissioner’s office investigate the lack of offers for free agent Barry Bonds, stopping short of filing a collusion grievance.
When: As of last week, Jeff Borris, Bonds’ agent, had not received an offer for his seven-time MVP client. Given the myriad teams Bonds could help and the plethora of players with inferior skills employed, the union wants some answers.
Background: Bonds hit .276 with 28 home runs and 66 RBIs last season. Yet besides Tampa Bay and St. Louis discussing the issue internally, no team has said peep about the game’s all-time home run leader. Detroit would make sense — the Tigers recently designated Jacque Jones for assignment — save for the fact Gary Sheffield and Bonds get along about as well as Barbara Walters and Star Jones.
Renck’s take: With Bonds, it isn’t collusion. It’s common sense. The guy brings more baggage into a clubhouse than Samsonite. Though he improved in recent seasons, particularly in his dealings with Todd Greene and Steve Finley, Bonds has never been a great teammate. He’s high maintenance. That works when you’re a superstar. Bonds is no longer that. He’s a good offensive player who becomes a liability the moment he leaves the batter’s box. Besides, he was indicted in November on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice in the BALCO case. The trial isn’t expected to start until 2009, but it’s hard to find an organization that would welcome that kind of lingering black cloud.
Last season, his pursuit of Hank Aaron’s home run record brought in revenue. This season, Bonds would just bring a headache.
THREE UP
1. Twins: No Santana, no Liriano, no offense? No problem.
2. Red Sox: David Ortiz’s slow start seems long ago.
3. Rangers: Nice two-week push saving Ron Washington’s job.
THREE DOWN
1. Mariners: Richie Sexson is a better fighter than a hitter.
2. Padres: Locals have labeled them hitless wonders.
3. Brewers: Eric Gagne has blown more saves than “Baywatch” cast.
