Who should come to Tampa Bay?

Every time some big-name NFL player becomes available, the first thought around these parts is, "Think the Bucs should go after him?'' Same with the Rays. And, right now, there are plenty of people available. So here's a breakdown of the some of those names and whether the locals should pass on them, or take a chance.

BUCS
Shaun Alexander: This guy was the MVP in the NFL in 2005. Not that long ago. And he's only 30. But his body is about 60. He has been banged up and pretty much ineffective the past two seasons. The Seahawks released the running back in order to keep Julius Jones, who lost his starting job in Dallas. So what does that tell you? Besides, don't the Bucs have like 19 running backs on the roster? Now if Alexander was a quarterback ...
Final call: Pass.

Chad Johnson: The Bengals wide receiver, who could be traded, talks too much, whines too much, causes too much controversy. Know what he does a lot of? Catch passes. He caught 93 last year. In fact, he has caught at least 90 balls in five of the past six years and the one year he didn't, he caught 87. Know how many times Joey Galloway has caught 90 passes in a season over his 13-year career? That would be, uh, never. In fact, only once in the entire history of the Bucs has someone caught more than 90 passes and that was 2001 when Keyshawn Johnson caught 106. Over the past four years, Galloway has been very productive getting into the end zone with 28 touchdowns. Over that same span, Johnson has scored 33 touchdowns. He is still only 30 years old. He can talk all he wants Monday through Saturday as long he shows up Sunday ... and his impressive resume proves that he does just that. And say what you want about his outlandish behavior, he isn't one of the Bengals who has been arrested.
Final call: Take a chance.

RAYS
Frank Thomas: The Blue Jays just released Thomas, who got off to a slow start after 26 homers with 95 RBIs a season ago. Well, the slow start wasn't the problem. The problem was he acted like a complete baby when benched because he couldn't hit his weight this season. In fact, he was more than 100 points from his weight. The 275-pounder was batting a buck-sixty-seven with 13 strikeouts in 60 at-bats. He even refused to shake his teammates hands after a victory. The Rays got rid of Delmon Young, who actually can play. So why in the world would they pick up a 40-year-old head case who can't? Supposedly the A's are interested in the Big Hurt. Let them have him.
Final call: Pass.

Barry Bonds: The all-time home run king is sitting at home. I know what you're thinking. The Rays aren't interested in head cases and Bonds is King Head Case. But here's the difference between Bonds and, say, Frank Thomas: Bonds can still play. Last season alone, Bonds numbers were still impressive. Hit hit 28 homers with 66 RBIs in only 340 at-bats. His on-base percentage was .480. (By comparison, Carl Crawford's OBP last season was .355. Heck, Derek Jeter's OBP last season was .388.) In other words, Bonds still is a productive player. He hits homers, drives in runs, gets on base. Think about that. His on-base percentage was .480, meaning he gets on base almost half the time. True, he can't play the outfield. He would have to DH. But I would argue he could come in and still be the best DH not only on the Rays, but in all of baseball. And, what the heck, Bonds would be worth just having around.
Final call: Take a chance.

Comments

[Richard]

How about forgetting about all of them!

[PrimeTime]

Heartily agree on Bonds.

For WRs, why aren't we looking at Roy Williams or Anquan Boldin? Seemingly younger, quieter, productive WRs than Johnson.

What do you propose we offer Cincy for Chad Johnson? I mean, they just turned down a 1st this year and a 3rd with possible escalators next year for him from the Redskins. We can't just go and hand them 3 or 4 high draft picks in order to get him. Remember what happened with handing over 4 high draft picks to get Gruden? Yeah we won a super bowl, but we just now have managed to begin rebuilding team depth. Six years later. No thanks. Cincy wants too much.

[Bob]

what kind of idiot would even consider bringing Bonds to this team... none other than Tom "it's not unusual" Jones

Only because other outlets have mused on Bonds and the Rays for months now. Eventually all that news ends up rearranged and regurgitated here.

[Tom Jones]

The second post makes a good point. Cincy does seem like it is asking for the sun and the moon ... and the stars ... and a whole bunch of high draft picks. But that organization is so messed up that maybe they'll pull a brain cramp and give him away for little. Wouldn't be the first time the Bungles, er, Bengals have dropped the ball.

[joe hillman]

Shaun Alexander: I'd jump all over him. It's not like you are giving up two first round picks. Sign him!

Chad Johnson: He ain't worth two first round picks. Pass.

Frank Thomas and Barry Bonds: Why? There's no reason to pick up these two high-priced cancers for a team that likely won't be .500.

If the Rays had a shot at the playoffs, OK. But any sober fan knows they don't. When one of your "top hitters" is barely hitting over the Mendoza Line, and your "stud defensive shortstop" is having trouble throwing the ball, I hate to break this to you, but they stink out loud.

Besides, if Bonds was such a prize, how come he's still unemployed nearly a month into the season?

[xr4ti_007]

No Barry Bones! The last thing you want to have happen in such a young clubhouse is have Barry’s bad habits rub off in CC, BJ, EL or SK.