Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Chioke Hassan, Baltimor,Md — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:10:30 GMT

Dear Mike
I think Barry Bonds is just going to retire. It is time for him to retire and no teams seem ready to sign.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Bobby Townsend, Warwick, RI — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:05:42 GMT

Barry doesn't love the game as much as the money. If baseball was really serious about cleaning up the game, they can start by blackballing guys like him and Clemens to make them pay for the damage they have already done to the game. GOOD RIDDANCE TO BOTH

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Mark Bohleen Saugus CA. — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:11:40 GMT

Why would any team want this joke? I love knowing this year that ESPN will not have Barry to talk about.
So long Bonds no one will miss you and your baby ways.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Greg G — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 15:28:10 GMT

I generally disagree wholeheartedly with Celzic, mostly because he's a judgemental jerk and is usually wrong to boot, but I think this is a great column. Not the best, but better than his usual tripe.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

bryan jackson, pittsburg, ca. — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:08:44 GMT

one of the major league teams should take bonds even if he's under investigation. a player of his caliber is and will be very valuable to any franchise

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

big holmes7 — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:59:52 GMT

bonds is poison in the clubhouse. the d rays or marlins or kansas city won't even touch him.
a minor league team would have to charter an extra bus just to carry the baggage he has around him. he wouldn't be good for or to the youngsters on a minor league team, and would be uncoachable.
let him sit at home.
it's the best place for him.
i don't want my kids or grandkids to see him swing a bat ever again.
we last saw him live in pittsburgh, and he had that poison attitude then, and hasn't improved over the years.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

cindy fairfield, iowa — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:26:32 GMT

no need to prove himself. he led the majors in obp + walks last year. just let the guy play ball. it's not like he's the only roid head or "liar" around. so barry is "surly", sure he's a public figure but not everyone enjoys having a microphone shoved in their face every time they turn their head

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Larry Dierks, Glendale AZ. — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:32:39 GMT

How are the other players going to fit on the bus with Barry's EGO taking up all the room? Bus driver be lucky if he can shut the door.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Wayne E. Mize, McMinnville, OR — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 18:25:31 GMT

Bonds might not know it, but his playing days are over. His time might be better spent working with his army of attorneys in preparing a defense. He will need a good one. Bonds distanced himself from his teammates for a very long time. It's ironic that baseball will now keep Bonds at a distance for the rest of his life.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Robert Pyper, Las Vegas, NV — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 18:49:37 GMT

A great idea, but of course it will never happen. An independent league team would have to have a second bus for Barroid's entourage and baggage (physical and emotional).

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Doug Lemoore, Ca — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:13:51 GMT

too funny on your last comment..... but maybe he will

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Jim Cunningham Nahant,Ma. — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:14:49 GMT

I think they should put Clemens, Bonds, O.J. and Mike Tyson all in the same Cell. They could lie to each other all day and Tyson could beat the truth out of them.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Robert Pyper — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:25:27 GMT

Mike, on a tangential topic, what is going on in San Francisco? I used to think Brian Sabean knew what he was doing. Watching the Giants over the last five years, and especially the past two off-seasons, I don't believe he does. He grossly overpaid for the two key free-agents he brought in (Barry Zito and Aaron Rowand) and has traded away all the minor league talent they had in the system trying to win with Balco Barry. It looks to me like he has set the organization back years. Your thoughts?

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

FTM — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:34:58 GMT

I thought this column was "Spot On"...Forward it to Jeff Borris and Barry. It's the perfect methodology for a marketing, publicty and public relations driven stage. Both Barry's salvation and a respectful curtain call for Rickey. Provocative!

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Hugh - Anchorage, Alaska — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:51:24 GMT

It is pathetic that all you giuys cna do is complain about Barry Bonds because there is no one to say I gave him steroids. It is sickening that you guys would want to huniliate the all time home run king hoping he has to go to the minors. That is in spite of the fact he still one of the most feared hitters in the majors. He violated no MLB rule, but yet because he may have he should pay for it, the same with Roger Clemens. If there was nor ule in place at the time the door was open for anyone that could do something and get away with it. When these guys are caught doing things when there's a rule in place then you can talk. Until them leave these guys alone. You all love Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb and others that were racist, but you cay they're okay. Racism was far worse that accusing someone of doing steroids. When there is difinitive proof against these guys, please shut up and quit assuming.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Fred Baumgarten, Sharon, CT — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 21:54:33 GMT

Despicable article.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Kathleen — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 22:01:40 GMT

As I read Game of Shallows-er, Shadows, I can only think that he has done this all to himself. If my beloved Twins put him in their farm system, I'd shave my head like Bert Blyleven did when he lost that bet to Santana last year. Barry could have had nearly everything but he had to lie, steal and cheat to try and get it all. Maybe he could join a prison baseball team?

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Kim Perkins — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 22:38:23 GMT

The penalty for steroid use should not be up to the commisioner of baseball. It should be up to the owners. For example, if someone signs a contract, the fine print should say that if someone tests positive for steroids, then his contract is void. No money. Owners might look upon this as a good opportunity. They may eventually go for this. Players who are non-users would definitely go for this. Dishonest players who use wouldn't. No loss. I mean, its not too popular to use roids anymore. At least its getting a bit risky. Change could be in the air, and making steroid use a breach of contract may become the way things are done in coming years. In many jobs/occupations in the government or private sector, failing a urine test can cost you your job. Stop spoiling these kids. This could restore pride and self esteem to the game's players. It couldn't feel too good to live in hiding, injecting steroids on the sly. Give the kids a motive to be clean. Losing your job is motive to stay clean.

Anyway, I know this isn't what you wanted here, but in a way it is. You want Barry to show some work ethic, some honesty, and some honor for the game. That would be good for him and us. But don't limit it to Barry and Roger etc. Make everyone in the game be honest.

You can run and hide from the union or the commisioner. But the owner is close all the time. He can institute testing, all that stuff.

Blah. Blah. Blah.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Mike H., Burlingame, CA — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 22:46:48 GMT

If Bonds had any sense of what fans really appreciate in a ballplayer, he would take your advice, and might actually begin to resurrect his pitiful image and stature. Especially with Clemens now looking like the frontrunner for the number one inductee for the steroid/liar/jackass Hall of Fame.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Chioke Hassan,Baltimore,Md — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 22:49:07 GMT

Dear Mike
I think Barry Bonds should just retire. He is 43 and no teams seem willing to sign him.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Tom Shumaker, Parkton, MD — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 23:07:39 GMT

Touche!

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Cory G Long Beach, CA — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 05:08:54 GMT

I'm not a Bonds fan but the guy still had MLB's best OBP last year and hit a fair share of HR's. Comparing him to Ricky is like apples and oranges.
Go Angels

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Steve Fort Worht TX — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 05:36:35 GMT

Mike, for once, I agree with you. Ricky loves the game, I don't know if Barry does.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

F.M.Martinez, San Diego, California — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 09:04:17 GMT

If somebody needs to be looking for a minor contract is you, Mike Celizic. This article has no value for any person remotely interested in baseball. You could use a suggestion:Mickey Mantle and his alcohol abuse during game time.Baseball got the short end of the stick when a superstar doesn't give damn. A sober Mantle would have produce far better numbers.I know the subject is "whitewalled", so good luck. PD. I did not forget Ruth.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

mike — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:24:15 GMT

I believe the author here is on drugs himself! I am no Barry Fan, but this fellow's column is not only insultive to people who have contributed for a long time in their life, but have added some positive content along the way.

Mr. M, I will support seeing Barry in a Triple A club right after I see you reporting from Ely Nevada.
And you though clowns were only in the circus, haha

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

David Womack, Avon Park, Fla. — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 23:24:03 GMT

Mr.Gary Shef...............Whew. multi-millionaire you grew up and played in Tampa, (now where i live........i grew up and lived in Detroit for 32 yrs. (where you play............i swear, wealthy and griping and talking trash all the time, pls......give us HARD WORKING STIFFS, some quiet ti,e. alwaysssssssssstiromh yjr pot. whem are yopu retiring. angry dude you are, racial to the hilt also.......

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Jamaal Overton, Okinawa, Japan — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 02:13:01 GMT

Barry Bonds is only in love with money and his delusions of glory. His love for the game was lost years ago, along with is manners, and sense of accountability. As long as he can look in the mirror and say to himself that lying, and cheating is OK, he will never move forward, and humble himself enough to play 'just for the love'. Because of players like Bonds, Clemens, and Canseco, I feel like I can never watch another game. I don't want my childern watching the game picking up these horrible character flaws.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

David Adams, Norris, Tenn — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 08:55:26 GMT

I totally agree, Mike; it would speak well for Bonds to take the "Rickey Route". A different, but likewise humble approach helped to win Sosa another season with Texas last year, including Homer #600 against his former team. Considering a possible role as a late-season DH for a post-season hopeful, I think Bonds still has enough natural talent to get it done.

Imagine, if Barry would change agents as well...from Bor-ris to Bor-as, they both could benefit from this year's re-seasoning. How 'bout some humble pie with that hot dog?

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Ron Calabria Las Vegas,NV — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:38:05 GMT

Barry would never lower himself and ride a bus,or god forbid bunk in a room with someone else.The players that do that,are the ones who really want to play ball,they do it because they love it.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Gordon , Northern NJ — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:47:47 GMT

Mike, don't you think any team at any level would receive the hue and cry about not acknowledging the importance of banned substances when it comes to hiring Bonds. I know he hasn't been proven guilty, but in the court of public opinion, he has. I don't think he could give his services away for free right now with all the spotlights on the subject.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

John Doe, Anytown , USA — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:47:48 GMT

I think you just want to see Barry humble himself. But the fact is that he has never cared about how you or even the fans felt about him. I doubt that is going to change this late in life. Meanwhile Roger Clemens has apparently perjured himself, and there are more allegations of Patriot's cheating.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

archer crosley, mcallen, tx — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:02:04 GMT

A man is innocent until proven guilty. That's the system we have; that's one reason why our country works. If you undermine that premise, then what will be the result?

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

John Espinoza, San Jose, Ca. — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:32:44 GMT

Barry has demostrated last year that he still can play. His OBP was in the upper eschelon of the majors. If it wasn't for the media scrutiny, getting another assignment would be much easier. I'm not a Bonds fan, but his accomplishments are worth acknowledging.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

DM, Los Angeles, CA — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:59:56 GMT

Love this! But Barry won't do it. Won't be long until he pulls out the race card as to why he is not being hired. Of course, the other players of his race on other major league teams got jobs, but hey -- don't bother Barry with facts.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

D.Burke — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:46:02 GMT

Once he's proven innocent in the legal system. Most of the sports writers won't let this die down. Major league baseball let this get out of hand. Bonds is a product of their over hype game. Bonds will go down as one of the greatest hitters of alltime. HGH and steriods have never been proven to make you see a baseball better. Records are made to be broken so people need to get over it.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Willie Mays, San Francisco, California — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 23:40:16 GMT

Barry, what team would want to sign you with the chance that you could be indicted for perjury?

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Daniel Ngai — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 03:39:36 GMT

That all would make sense if Barry Bonds did not hit 28 home runs and lead the league in on base percentage last year at age 43. What you are saying is absolutely insane, he could be a MVP candidate as a DH if he stays healthy, which shouldn't be difficult since he wouldn't have to play outfield.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Steven, Redwood City, CA — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 04:32:50 GMT

<<Let him ride the buses with the kids and bunk two-to-a-room and get by on $15 per diem. Let him show how much he wants it.>>

Your article is good and humorous too except for this stanza. It's way off base and it makes it sound as if you know nothing about Bonds or the way he operates. Because if you did, you would know that he would never agree ride on buses with kids and bunk two to a room for $15. In the clubhouse at AT&T Park he had his own recliner and he was the king of the clubhouse with not just one locker but his own little section.

If you've been listening to Barry's interviews and those that know him on the radio shows talk about him, you know that he's very proud man and definitely has a swagger and air of arrogance about him that Rickey didn't have. Rickey Henderson was quiet and humble from the start of his career to the end. Barry may have started out humble, but he certainly hasn't been that way towards the end.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

jane doe tampa fl — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 07:29:25 GMT

will i guess one of the greatest hitter and one of the greatest pitchers deserve whats come to them

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Israel Gonzalez,Ware,Mass — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 10:22:18 GMT

it is good that Barry wants to play ball again but let us see if he can admit the truth.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

RON ROMANO — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 12:27:12 GMT

As much as I didn't care for Henderson and his ego I will give him due credit for the effort sited in Celizics article. I think if Mr. Bonds really wants to play he would be willing to show us his intent to
do so instead of just sitting on his spreading ego and waiting for the court jesters to come begging.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Ron J. Sonnier, Columbia. SC — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 15:18:40 GMT

It is time for Barry Bonds to move from playing with his balls and bat in the locker room to his home where he can do so without interuption. I sense that Barry Bonds is an efeminite guy who knows and understands the meaning and intention of the word and action "DOWN". Barry Bonds only loves baseball because of the macho men not necessarily the game. This pervert should hide himself from public view.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Ron J. Sonnier — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 15:25:07 GMT

"No comments yet" is hard to believe. The comments are probably all nasty and you pick and choose to hide most of the harsh comments about the obviously femenine side of Barry Bonds and how low down he has been and is.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Ron J. Sonnier, Columbia, SC — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 15:41:40 GMT

"Open Mike looking behind the score in sports" is a joke. "Open" for what -----

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Rick Cincinnati — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 17:24:45 GMT

Please,if Andy Pettitte,Jason Giambi,Gary Sheffield and all the other Yankees and ex-Yankees can still play,why shouldn't Bonds play.Oh, I forgot none of the other cheaters broke records.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

D. Raymond, Black Mountain, NC — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 19:18:30 GMT

Barry should get used to black and white stripes - maybe the Yankees would sign him on, pin-stripes are pretty close to prison-stripes! He would fit in well there, along with all the rest of the Yankee-cheaters!

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Morty Abish, Grand Rapids,MI — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 00:17:23 GMT

You must be kidding. There are so many lame teams in the American league that could use the greatest home run hitter of all time to bolster a weak offense. His on base percentage alone makes it a no brainer. I think he will be signed to a major league contract by May 1. Will anyone reject Clemens for the same reason? NO!!!!!!!!!

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Chioke Hassan,Baltimore,Md — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 04:18:23 GMT

Dear Mike
I think Barry Bonds should just retire with all of this mess. Now that other teams don't seem intrested in signing him.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

David, New York City — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 04:53:17 GMT

15 dollar per diem, bunk two to a room, ride the bus. Come again, are you taking something for that headache??? Bonds is a hero, a super slugger, a multi-million dollar man if you would, show a litte respect. ok flip the coin, say you just got the pulitzer in writing . . . . now to show you really want to write take a position as a intern without pay, lower your living standards and hope and pray the Wall Street Journal or the New York Times calls you for a position.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Chioke Hassan, Baltimore,Md — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 22:56:36 GMT

Dear Mike
I think Bonds will just retire insted of play. The same thing for Clemons too.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

RL Andrews Los Gatos,Ca. — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:09:22 GMT

You're a doofus!

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Mark, Las Vegas, NV — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 01:35:50 GMT

Barry Bonds should just get away from baseball, totally. He is bad and untrue for the sport, and all sports in general...he has lied to the world, and is an extremely bad example upon young kids and players who dream and work towards a major league dream. It's a pity that Hank Aaron, a clean person who worked hard and played hurt half his career should have to take second, but in my book, he's still number one...

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Jill MacGregor — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 21:58:40 GMT

I think all MLB members currently playing and retired and all the trainers, should be made to take a lie dector test. I bet 95% have taken some sort of performance enhancing drug. In fact why don't we ask all the athletes golfers, tennis players, basketball, you get my drift. Are we really so naive to believe these fellows are the only ones quilty of such a crime? Get real fellow fans, you got what you asked for, SUPERSTARS!!!

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Ken S., tucson, AZ — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 22:42:37 GMT

Wow, it seems that most of you have forgotten all of the attendance records set because of Barry. Every city he went to had higher attendance than with any other team. Baseball could have stopped the drug problem but chose to look the other way due to the success baseball was having due to Barry and others.

OK, he shouldn't have lied to Congress but doesn't Congress have better things to do that go after athletes. leet each sport govern themselves. Baseball should be more concerned about methamphetamine use as a number of former players have talked about.

If what was going on in baseball was against the rules at the time baseball should have stepped in and stopped it. Blame the commisioner not the players!!

What's passed is passed. Let's move forward and make it a clean game from here on as opposed to a "he said, She said" and let Congress get back to working or real issues Americans are facing!!!

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Jim, Metaline Falls, WA — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:05:07 GMT

Bonds' career is over, but he hasn't retired yet. He should do what many do in that limbo-state: Play for the Oakland Raiders.

Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Alyce Iavarone, Staten Island, New York — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:43:09 GMT

I THINK YOU ARE POSITIVELY THE RUDEST PERSON IN THE WORLD. WHO ARE YOU TO SIT UP AND JUDGE MR. BONDS. THIS ISSUE OF "GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN INNOCENT" IS OUT OF CONTROL. WE SIMPLY ARE NOT USING OUR CONSTITUTION. WE ALLOW THE MEDIA TO BE THE VULTURES THEY ARE (WITHOUT REMORSE, EVEN WHEN WRONG) AND WONDER WHY PEOPLE SHY AWAY FROM THE PRESS. TIS IS THE MENTALITY OF THE DEMOCRATS. THEY JUST DO NOT GET WHAT THIS NATION WAS FOUNDED ON, WHAT IT STANDS FOR OR ANY OTHER BASIC FREEDOMS. YOUNG PEOPLE DO NOT UNDERSTAND FREEDOM AS I REMEMBER IT. WHAT A SHAME.