With Bonds probably not coming back for the 2008 season, who is going to be the face of the franchise? Who is going to be the person that fills the stands 81 games/year?
Is Barry Zito the answer?
Kind of. If you're like me, you look at the schedule to see who is going to be the starting pitcher before buying tickets to that game. Zito will draw people to the yard when he starts, but what about the other 80% of the games? I'm sorry, but a Pedro Feliz double play just isn't going to do it for me.
They need an everyday-player, a stud who can take Bonds' place after this year. Who are their options?
Alex Rodriguez and Andruw Jones.
Note: A-Rod's contract isn't over after this season, but he can opt-out making him a free agent.
Impossible you say? It may not be as impossible as one might think.
- Money: Bonds' 16 million comes off the books after this year. How much will it take to land either A-Rod or Jones? I have no idea, especially with the way free agency went this year. However, I do know Bonds' 16 million would be a nice start.
- Agents: The Giants definitely overpaid for Barry Zito, which means that Scott Boras probably has a nice rapport with the Brian Sabean and Peter Magowan. Who is the agent for Alex Rodriguez and Andruw Jones? Yes, Scott Boras.
With the acquisition of Barry Zito, their staff looks set with Zito and Cain at the top followed by Morris, Lowry, and Ortiz with Tim Lincecum and Jonathan Sanchez waiting in the wings. Now the Giants brass needs to find a way to fill the seats in the post-Bonds era. Come on Sabean!
*wishing for A-Rod in '08*
