Red Sox Should Sign Barry Bonds

Yes, that's right, and you've heard it from me.

Why, you ask?

Okay, so I don't like Bonds particularly, blogged about him and steroids and the whiffing of the media, the union, the teams and the Commissioner's office on the issue of performance-enhancing drugs and thought that the whole affair stunk the joint out (whatever the joint really is, and no pun intended). His life is not well ordered right now, what with the Federal indictment and stories about how easy he was to get along with in the Giants' clubhouse and, of course, the doubts about what drugs he did or did not use.

But here's the thing: 1) baseball has generally forgiven those in the Mitchell report in that it will not take further action, 2) Bonds was a great player before he started using the stuff (meaning that he still has some hits left in him -- and walks, too), 3) Bonds apparently has been staying in shape and 4) the chance to win a World Series on a veteran team would probably cause Bonds to behave and not pull the stuff he did in SF where, let's face it, for years he was the only prime-time player on an otherwise so-so team. There really is little downside for the Sox, who need a prime-time DH now that David Ortiz is on the DL and will be out at least a month with his wrist injury. What better way to replace a great player than with one of the best hitters of all time, even if he has little gas left in the tank?

What's the worst that can happen? Bonds proves immediately that he's a clubhouse cancer. If that's the case, cut him loose after a week. If that were to happen, his career would be all but over, because if he can't get along with a top-notch team and one of the best managers in baseball, he surely wouldn't like a return to Pittsburgh or an opportunity in Kansas City.

What's the best thing that can happen? He rehabilitates himself partially in the eyes of the baseball world, is a good citizen in the clubhouse and hits 22 home runs and knocks in 60 in a partial season's work, helping lead the BoSox to a world championship. That could happen.

The Red Sox are known for making smart moves, sometimes even bold ones. There really is little downside to signing Barry Bonds, and if they want to remain relevant and bring down the upstart Tampa Bay Rays a few pegs, they should sign the future Hall of Famer and re-load immediately.