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Bonds Deal Approved, Spring Begins

Barry Bonds has officially been added to the 40 man roster as MLB finally approved his deal(Press Release). Bonds originally signed the deal a couple weeks ago, but MLB rejected the deal because of some of the clauses in contract. Bonds had already said he would be at the ballpark on the first day of full-squad workouts, so I wasn't surprised the deal got done before Tuesday's first full practice. I was expecting Bonds to show up this weekend sometime and finalize the deal, but apparently he wanted it done sooner. I found it pretty interesting reading that Bonds' locker will be right next to new ace, Barry Zito's. This offseason, after Zito signed, he was asked at his press conference if he had contacted Bonds at all. Zito replied that there where"attempts" but there was never a connection. Apparently Zito has asked to be locker buddies with Bonds, not only in Scottsdale for the next 6 weeks, but also for the regular season at AT&T Park. Zito is already showing what kind of leader he is. He knows it's best for everybody if him and Bonds get along, and Zito has the kind of personality that can adapt well to different people. These guys are two very opposite personalities, It will be interesting to watch how that relationship unfolds throughout the spring.

Speaking of Barry Zito, he has officially begun work as a San Francisco Giant. He was one of the Giants who reported earlier than expected for the start of spring along with Steve Kline. The first official workout for the pitchers and catchers was today. There wasn't much to report on for the first day's workout but everything coming out of camp sounded pretty good for a first day. Armondo Benitez was throwing and looks "slimmer" than last year. Barry Zito has also apparently changed up his delivery. I'm not quite sure what he did, but the change is in attempt to increase velocity and delay the break on his curve ball. I also read that Russ Ortiz looks like he is in pretty good shape. That definitely step one on his way to regaining form. I think the Giants are really counting on him being able to nail down the 5th spot in the rotation enabling Jonathan Sanchez to strengthen the bullpen.

I'd like to give a thanks to Mike Edelman for his technical help with The San Francisco Giants Blog. Mike writes a blog about the Boston Red Sox. Check it out.

Comments

Anonymous said…
I'm excited the spring is here. Don't have much expectations for the G-Men, but it's nice to start new.
11:59 AM
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