So... I'm just going to say it

So the ASB is coming up in a few days and it'll be a few days of rest for most of the Phillies.  I'm sure the focus over the next few weeks is going to be what trades we can pull off and what needs to be done for us to be able to 1) Win the East and 2) contend with the Cubs, Brewers and for arguements sake I'll throw in the D-Backs as well (Webb and Haren can pose some problems in a playoff series).  Our (the fans') focus is on improving our pitching staff (both starting and relief a bit), and rightly so.  Pitching has always been a sore spot in Philadelphia over the past few seasons and I'm all for doing what we can to make it better.  It seems that the front office may be on board (since Pat admitted that they're not going to simply go after some #4 or #5 pitcher).  All signs point to either Bedard or Burnett making a Phillie debut sometime within the next few weeks.  I'm fine with either of them (given what's out there), as long as we don't get bent over the barrel on the deal.  Either of these two could make a nice #2 behind Hamels; as long as they decide to pitch with some heart and stay healthy.  If Myers somehow returns to form (although I'm less confident with this), we would have a pretty formidable rotation with Hamels, Bedard/Burnett, Myers, Moyer, Kendrick.  Eaton can then be shipped out for pen help (which I'm fine with).  Also, maybe we can get a nice lefty for the pen to take a little load off Romero.  If these things were to happen, I can honestly say I would be happy and feel that we made some decent moves to help us contend.  However, there is one issue of late that I want to explore...  the offense.

So we live and die by the bat in Philadelphia.  I understand that and can live with that.  The only problem is that when things aren't going well with the bats, it's difficult (at best), for us to contend every night.  Over the last 25 or so games, our pitching staff has been doing a decent job (for the most part).  Their ERA isn't much higher over that stretch than what it was for the first 65 or so games of the season, yet we've been doing horribly.  Recently, Charlie has even stated that he's become a little concerned with our lack of production offensively (and the fans are as well).  Overall, pitching has been a pleasant surprise this year; especially the bullpen (currently second behind the Cubs in ERA), but lately the big sticks have been letting us down.  Now we could come out of the next few weeks with a bolstered pitching staff and hope that our bats get hot again and stay that way through the rest of the year, but personally, I think I'd feel a little better if we could pick up a good bat to help us.  Wouldn't you? 

However, there are some issues here.  First, if we make a trade for a decent arm, there's no way we're trading for a good bat as well.  We simply cannot afford to give away that many prospects.  And I'm not a believer in the "Let's destroy our future for this year" idea.  Also, where's this guy going to play?  First, second, short, left and center are out...  So we need a third baseman or someone who could play right.  So our criteria is a nice bat that plays third or will play right and isn't going to cost us alot in a trade.  That'll be easy to find... Lol.  So I'm going to suggest something here, and I know I'm going to catch alot of flack for it.  *Takes a deep breath*  Sign... Barry... Bonds...  There, I said it.  I realize that the first week he shows up would be a circus, and I'm willing to go there.  At this point he has gotten ZERO offers to play.  So, we could probably get him for a reasonable price for the rest of the year.  I'd be willing to go $6M for the remainder of the season.  At his age and situation there was no way he was going to get more than $12M for a full year, so pro-rate it for the remainder of the season.  Every single person on the Giants has said that he's the most remarkable hitter they've ever seen.  I know the negatives that come with him, but what does he bring?  He might be the most feared hitter ever...  I'll say that again... ever.  He has an incredible eye and is extremely patient and the plate.  He's got no problems taking walks if need be.  I'd rather a right handed bat, but seriously he hits lefts pretty much as well as righties.  He's only going to play half a season, so his knees should hold up.  We can also sub for him late in games if need be.  We would instantly have probably the most feared lineup in baseball, especially if Howard keeps up what he's been doing lately.  How do you pitch to this?

I want to do everything in our power to make us the best team possible, and I think this would definitely help.  We get a big time bat withough loosing any prospects or current starters, we can then ditch So and still have an extremely deep bench, and we can move Victorino down a bit to give us speed at the bottom of the lineup.  Plus opposing pitchers are going to have some issues.  What do you do?  Can't make mistakes to Utley... okay...  Don't want to make a mistake to Bonds, but you can't just simply walk him every time with Howard AND Burrell behind him.  I wouldn't want to face that. 

So I got it out there...  I'm sure I'm going to get bashed for it though...

Additionally, WHEN this team makes the World Series, I know who the DH will be...