Big Hurt's Bitching may bring Barry Bonds

After yet another slow start for Frank Thomas, rather than assuming this is just like most other seasons and wait it out, the Blue Jays have decided to grant him his unconditional release.

Rumours abound that the decision was for business reasons, as the Jays would have had to pay an extra $10 million if Thomas passed 1,000 plate appearances over this season and last. With 600+ already in the bank, it seemed the Big Hurt was well on his way to the mark.

The one thing that the Jays did right here was release Thomas before he became a distraction. Leaving a future Hall of Famer on the bench while starting Rod Barajas of all people at DH would have been uncomfortable for many. However, releasing him of his contract does not release the Jays of the $9 million-odd payout for the rest of this year and next.

Clearly, there were other forces at work here rather than just business and baseball. After the unfortunate departures of Shea Hillenbrand and Ted Lilly, the forces that be foresaw another ugly incident in their future, and cut the cord before the damage was done.

Now the Jays need a DH, and a rotation of Matt Stairs, Lyle Overbay, Shannon Stewart, and Rod Barajas will not cut it in the increasing difficult A.L. East. The Jays need a big bat in the middle of the line-up to protect Alex Rios and Vernon Wells, and there's only one man out there with the kind of talent who is available:

Barry Bonds.

Yes, that Barry Bonds. Mr. Tax Cheating, Steroid Taking, Mad at the World Bonds. But, he would add left-handed power the Jays sorely lack, and with frequent visits to Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park - two parks with short right field perches - a left-handed power bat would be welcome.

Also, even though he's 147 now (give or take), he'll still command respect from A.L. pitchers, so a .500 OBP isn't out of the question, and for a team that struggles to get base runners, Bonds would fit in nicely.

Yes, his personality is a problem. Yes, he has legal issues. Yes, many fans would not be happy. But all that would go away if the Jays win the World Series.

Is this likely? About as likely as Bonds being proven innocent. But, one can dream.