Could the Mariners have some interest in adding Barry Bonds? Recent speculation around the certain future Hall of Famer indicates Tampa Bay, St. Louis and somelike like Seattle could sign Bonds to a 1-year deal low-base salary laced with performance incentives. IF Seattle truly has interest, many issue would need to be addressed; where would Jose Vidro play, would the sheer presence of Bonds bring a circus-type atmosphere that would disrupt the clubhouse, how would the Mariner fans react, how much does Barry have left?
Although unlikely, if Seattle were able to add Bonds at a reasonable rate i.e., $3 million/year, I believe Bonds would provide an upgrade at DH, make the bench stronger, and occasionally spell Raul Ibanez and Brad Wilkerson in the outfield. Currently Jose Vidro is penciled in as the DH, however as steady as he has been, he doesn’t provide much power to the lineup. If Vidro were unseated at DH, he could find additional playing time at 2nd base and occasionally spell Richie Sexson at 1B and Bonds at DH.
Tough call, baggage aside, adding a presence like Barry Bonds to an already good offense would undoubtedly make the Mariners THE team to beat in the American League West.