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Bonds and Giants ContractBonds and Giants Await Contract Approval from Commissioners OfficeBarry Bonds and The San Fransico Giants reached an agreement, and was finalized earlier this week. However, the deal was rejected by the Commissioner's Office.
BONDS AND GIANTS AWAITING APROVAL ON CONTRACTThe San Francisco Giants and Barry Bonds completed an agreement on Monday, January 29th for a one year 15.8 million dollar deal that will give Bonds the chance to break Hank Aaron’s home run record, of which he is just 22 shy of. The contract was finalized in December, but could not be completed until Bonds passed a physical, and complicated language was approved by the commissioner’s office. In recent years Bonds has become one of the more controversial because of his alleged use of steroids, including allegations that he perjured himself during a grand jury investigation in 2003. Indictment IssuesBecause of the investigation and possible indictment, Bond’s contract has special conditions, which include termination, should he be indicted. Bonds also agreed not to file a grievance with the players union if his contract is terminated because of indictment. The final notable condition is that Bonds’ personal trainers, Harvey Shields and Greg Oliver, can no longer be under the Giant’s payroll meaning they are not allowed in restricted areas in any Major League Ball Park. Bonds became a free agent after his previous five year, 90 million dollar, contract expired in 2006. During the last five years Bonds broke the single season homerun record (73 in 2001), reached 2nd on the career homeruns (734), and four MVP awards (2001-2004). However, evidence of steroid use in Major League Baseball, the BALCO scandal, and the Grand Jury investigation have place Bonds and his accomplishments in a cloud of doubt. RetirementIn several interviews last season, Bonds said he would retire from baseball following the 2006 season whether he broke the homerun record or not. However, Bonds and the Giants met during Baseball’s winter meetings and came to an agreement on the last day. Nearly two months later, Bonds signed the contract after passing a physical at AT&T Park. The Commissioners OfficeHowever, the commissioner’s office did not to approve the contract. While details have not been made public, a baseball executive speaking under the condition of anonymity told the associated press the contract was not approved because it contained a personal appearance provision. Bonds’ agent, Jeff Borris, said a revised contract is being drafted and sent to Bonds for him to sign, and then to be sent back to the commissioners office. Bonds and the Homerun RecordWith Bonds’ return there is no doubt the media firestorm that has surrounded him lately will return as well. There are many people who believe Bonds gives Baseball a very negative image, and should thus retire. On the other hand, Bonds is a valuable commodity for any team to have. He is still the most feared hitter in baseball, and he still sells tickets. But the biggest issue is still the homerun record. If Bonds breaks it, there will be controversy no matter what he does. If he celebrates he will be criticized by some people saying he shouldn’t because he used steroids. On the flip side, if Bonds doesn’t celebrate he will be criticized by others saying he should have. And overall, the new homerun record will be tainted. It seems as though hindsight will be the best judge in this situation. In the mean time, fans will be watching and waiting for the day when Bonds does break the record to see what happens.
The copyright of the article Bonds and Giants Contract in Baseball is owned by Philip James Liaboe. Permission to republish Bonds and Giants Contract in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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