by John Wallie

Created on: July 29, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Baseball is clearly trying to leave Barry Bonds behind. It doesn't look as if any team is going to sign him at this point in the season. The teams in the thick of the pennant races couldn't have any roster spot he could fill because they would have to take a player of the line up in order to play him. When you are looking at these teams, their chemistry is pretty good and I think Barry would spoil it. The teams not in the hunt at this point would be looking to maybe trade some of their soon to be free agent players to maybe get some assets for the future, and also looking at prospects in their farm system that maybe deserve some time at "the show". Bringing Barry in would not help these teams at all in my opinion. In the last few seasons, aside from the doping issues surrounding him, Barry has not been the approachable veteran pressence that is always willing to give advice in the locker room that every team needs at this time of year. The term mentor, is not something I would use to describe him.

When the off season comes in late October and continues on to training camp, he will be a year older and a year removed from baseball. This will make it even harder for him to be in any real shape to play. I hate to say it, because I really enjoyed watching him in Pittsburg as a rookie, but I can see the writing on the wall for Barry. He should see it too. I can understand that is is tough to step away from something you have done for 20 years, but at the same time when the offers aren't coming in, that should tell him something. I think when players, and that is in any sport I might add, stay on passed their prime, they are looking to cash in one more big contract. To me, this taints all of those interviews they gave over the years how it was always for the game. If they love the game, they will know when it is time to leave. Living here on the west coast of Canada, I have always followed hockey. This off season one of my favourite players announced his retirement after 20 seasons in the NHL. I know he could play one or maybe even two years, but he noticed the time was right and left on a high note.

I hope he makes the right choice and calls a press conference to announce his retirement. I can only speak for myself when I say it will show me that he has some respect for the game. At the same time I will be a little sad to see the end of one of the most talented, and controversial players of the modern era. Say what you want about Barry Bonds, he did put people in the seats and headlines in the papers.

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