By Donal (Sports Editor)

Reports that Federal prosecutors have unveiled a revamped indictment against Barry Bonds were a timely reminder that the home run leader still exists and is still unemployed.

Like I have said before, it saddens me that Bonds remains jobless. We are being deprived of a great story and the controversy/pantomime that a Bonds return would undoubtedly entail.

So what are the chances that I will get my wish and when is it likely to happen?

Before the All-star Break?

Will Barry Bonds be in the starting lineup of a MLB team before the All-Star break of the 2008 season?

Hubdub says “unlikely” with “No” at 70%. This percentage looks likely to trickle up over the next two months in the absence of any rumored interest in Bonds in the short term.

At any stage in 2008?

Will Barry Bonds play professional baseball in 2008?

This surprises me. Hubdub puts Bonds playing in the Major Leagues in 2008 at 55% as of May 15th. I would imagine that the logic underlying this percentage is that some contending team looking for offensive help will ignore the federal indictments and the distractions and offer Bonds a job.

But 50-50? I for one hope so, but at those odds, I’d opt for No.

Popularity: 2% [?]

By Donal (Sports Editor)

The MLBPA are set to investigate the lack of offers to Barry Bonds. Despite the fact that the seven-time NL MVP and home run king is un-retired and willing to play, he remains unemployed.

Amongst the reasons that union head Donald Fehr and his staff will be examining: “possible collusion“.

So is there a vast MLB-wide conspiracy against Bonds? Am I mistaken in believing that MLB teams have noted the perjury charges and the happier Bonds-less Giants clubhouse and thought: “No thanks, we could live without that distraction”?

Somehow, I doubt it.

That said though, I hope some team signs him. Yes, he is a loathsome figure and a blot on the integrity of the game; but it would be a great story. Having greatly enjoyed the pantomime surrounding Bonds at a Giants game I attended in DC a few years back and as a fan of controversy, I’d love to see the uproar and outrage that would undoubtedly accompany his return.

So will the “collusion” continue or will I get my wish? You can make predictions here at Hubdub:

Will Barry Bonds be on the roster of a MLB team on opening day 2008
Will Barry Bonds have played in a MLB game by April 30, 2008?
Will Barry Bonds play professional baseball in 2008?

Popularity: 3% [?]