Sep 14, 2007

Bonds, Obama the Ticket in '08?

In one word, doubtful. You see, one of these men is at the beginning of his career, the other at the near dead end. One carries himself with a confident gate, the other an arrogant swagger. They both bring people out by the thousands. Only one carries a large cache after achieving something no other African American had ever done, and many thought was an impossible accomplishment. They both are in their mid forties, and people agree that their age is the single biggest detriment. But despite that we will be seeing much more of one of these men in the year to come traveling around the country, going from city to city across this great nation.

Yes folks you heard it hear first. The next president of the United States of America will not be Barack Obama. The other man I am speaking of is Barry Bonds, the 44 year-old left fielder for your San Francisco Giants and he will be back making news and doing his thing in 2008. And it makes sense, to the Giants.

No player can match the respect given by opposing mangers, outside of A-Rod in May, or Big Pappi in September. Bonds still can change a game. He is still the best player on the Giants, which is for another post. And his defensive misadventures are over exaggerated. Yes he is, in baseball years, ancient. Apparently he would be considered a baby if he entered the political world, but knowing Bonds he probably wouldn't be willing to pander enough to succeed the way most politicians do. Bonds this season will earn approximately $20 million after incentives. If he is willing to come back for a respectful $8-$10 million, say somewhere in the Eric Byrnes range, it is a sound baseball and business decision for Brian Sabean, Peter McGowan and company.

As much as I'd like to see Obama stumping across the country, and Barry bow out with some dignity, I am certain my hopes will not come to fruition.

Loose Stitches...

...A little noise was made when Matt Morris was traded and left a few "parting shots" for his organizational home for the past year and a half. He mentioned that he was excited to play behind younger more talented defenders, and that the culture of losing was difficult to accept for him, but not for many others in the Giants clubhouse and front office. I don't care what he said, he was frustrated, he was hurt, he has to still be thinking about the Cardinals not re-signing him, and then going on to win the World Series without him. But Matt, did you know you were traded to the Pirates? In fact that trade may have been the last straw for Pirate GM Dave Littlefield who time and time again made poor decisions and bringing on Matt Morris and the balance of his $13 million dollar plus contract was about as bad a decision as trading away Jason Schmidt and John Vander Wal for Ryan Vogelsong and Armando Rios. Thanks Dave, maybe you can get a Job with the Dodgers?...

...The 49er's are the sexy pick for up and coming team. Its hard to disagree, but the defense is still untested despite holding Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald to a total of 46 yards receiving last Monday night. Patrick Willis seems to be the real deal, and teams are so afraid of corner back Nate Clement they are going to try to pick on Walt Harris who led the NFC in interceptions last season, but they still seem to be light in run defense and pressuring the quarterback. The questions I have revolve around the offense. With Frank Gore the only question is will he run for more yards than he did last season. But his skilled brethren, i.e. wide receivers, are a little shaky. Darrell Jackson looked to be doing his best impression of an alligator, tyrannosaurus Rex, ________________ (fill in your favorite short armed creature here), until he redeemed himself by falling on Arnaz Battle' lost fumble late in the game. Ashley Lelie never had his named called by Mike Nolan or Mike Ditka. And Alex Smith was stymied for most of the game before his poise filled drive to win it at the end. I look for them to win 8 and maybe sneak into the playoffs with the help of a weak NFC West...

...Nellie is Back. Good for him. Good for he Warriors. Nellie saw the team transition an get even younger in the off-season. His concern was with the contract incentives last year helped him earn $5.1 million, but with a younger team and perhaps an untested group he wasn't willing to leave the extra $2 million between his $3.1 million base salary and what he earned last year to chance. Who could blame him. Good luck Warriors, you have a tough act to follow... Until next time, if you're planning on riding your bike at night, plan on wearing white.

1 comment:

Isaac Herrera said...

Nicely done Theo. I enjoyed every bit of sports banter you wrote. Is there a way to subscribe or make sure that your newest posts go directly to my iGoogle homepage or what?