The Zong

An excerpt from a statement just posted on BarryBonds.com:

Dear Fans,

This journal will be one of my last entries as a San Francisco Giant. Yesterday, I was told by the Giants that they will not be bringing me back for the 2008 season. During the conversation with Peter McGowan I was told that my play this year far exceeded any expectations the Giants had, but that the organization decided this year would be my last season in San Francisco. Although I am disappointed, I’ve always said baseball is a business — and I respect their decision. However, I am saddened and upset that I was not given an earlier opportunity to properly say goodbye to you, my fans, and celebrate with the city throughout the season as I truly believe this was not a last minute decision by the Giants, but one that was made some time ago. I don’t have nor do I want any ill feelings towards the organization, I just wish I had known sooner so we had more time to say our goodbyes and celebrate the best 15 years of my life.

I would have loved nothing more than to retire as a Giant in the place where I call home and have shared so many momentous moments with all of you, but there is more baseball in me and I plan on continuing my career. My quest for a World Series ring continues.

Until next time,

Barry Bonds

Assuming for a moment that this is actually happening (it wouldn’t be the first time he said he wasn’t coming back as a negotiation ploy), it seems as if the Giants may actually start to rebuild this franchise with a little youth. The problem is, with the farm system in shambles and a payroll bloated with players almost as old as Barry is, it’s going to be years before the franchise recovers from a rash of terrible decisions made by McGowan and Sabean over the past several seasons. All the years of selling out games because of Barry Bonds are at an end; it’s now time for ownership to see first hand the kind of fan base they’ve cultivated, the kind of team they’ve paid to put on the field, and the amount of money they’re going to lose as the franchise becomes the new long-term resident of the N.L. West Cellar. Nicely done, assholes!

UPDATE:  Looks like it’s real. The Giants have confirmed the story.

- M.G.