Pride.

That's the best word to sum up the whole Barry Bonds situation right now. The baseball winter meetings are a great time, because it finally means I have something to read in terms of baseball. I can literally sit and read baseball nonsense about rumors for hours if given the opportunity. I love how it affects the teams and how it also affects my favorite players and keeper league players.

I think the Giants have made some decent moves this offseason, and the best part of it is that they've been decent moves because someone else signed the players they wanted. $40 million for Pierre or Jerry Mathers Jr (aka Gary Matthews Jr.)? No way Jose Canseco. $100+ million for Carlos Lee? No thank you Jose Uribe. I am glad the Giants did not get these players. There's nothing wrong with going a little cheaper in Dave Roberts. Plus it's for less years.

Some don't like the signings of Durham, Feliz, and Aurilia. I think Durham makes sense, and since the Giants lack power, Feliz makes sense too. Plus he came pretty cheap (although Cal always mentions he is a rally killer, which might be true). But given the fact he hit 22 homeruns with 98 rbis, I think that's worth the $6 million contract with the lack of big bats on the market. As for Aurilia, he adds some decent pop although I don't think putting him at first base is a good idea.

There's rumors of a Bengie Molina 3 year contract. I think that's a little long for Molina. I'd prefer one year and he has decent power and average, but his defense isn't all that great. However, it's either him or Rod Barajas, and I haven't heard anything about the Giants going after Barajas. I would much rather have Barajas, who is capable of hitting 20 homeruns.

Then there's the Manny Ramirez rumors for Lowry, Sanchez, and Wilson. That's absolutely ridiculous to think the Giants would give that up for Ramirez. If the Giants think they need Ramirez at the sake of their #2 starter and potential future closer, they're doomed to suffer. I like the Burrell for Benitez and cash idea instead.

And finally there's Bonds, who's demanding the same $18 million he made last year despite the fact he's a year older. He needs to realize his asking price has to come down if he wants to play baseball ever again. I used to be a huge fan of his and defended him, but I can no longer do that. If the past month has taught us anything, it's that no teams want to have him and his baggage in their clubhouse. Apparently, the Giants don't want it anymore either. If he wants $18 million, maybe he can go pack his bags and play at Tampa. I hear the D-Rays might have an opening in the outfield.

Even though everyone wants to win now, I think the best thing the Giants can do now is literally just wait for 2008. It doesn't make sense to pay these huge inflated contracts to sub-par pitchers. $10 a year for Suppan, Lilly, Weaver, and Meche is not worth it. Save your money for Vernon Wells or Andruw Jones next season when they're free agents. Ultimately, I think Bonds will be back for $12-$14 million, Molina will sign his 3 year deal, and the Giants fill their roster with guys like Jeff Suppan, Darren Oliver and God forbid Shawn Estes. But please Giants, I beg you not to get carried away in this outrageous market and financially ruin yourselves for the next decade, even if it means going through a losing season next year. Just look at the New York Knicks.