Brian34Cook

La Russa wanted to pursue Bonds
02/25/2008


Cardinals assistant hitting instructor Mike Aldrete (left) talks with manager Tony La Russa during Cardinals spring training at Roger Dean Stadium Sunday in Jupiter, Fla.
(Chris Lee/P-D )

JUPITER, Fla. — The possibility of free agent home run king Barry Bonds hitting behind Albert Pujols in the Cardinals' batting order remained intriguing enough this winter for manager Tony La Russa to take the idea to general manager John Mozeliak and team owners a second consecutive year, La Russa confirmed Sunday.

And for a second straight winter, the idea died in committee.

"When you look at somebody dangerous to hit behind Albert, Barry was the guy I thought of," La Russa acknowledged before Sunday's workout. "For whatever reason, at the general manager or the ownership level, they didn't agree."

La Russa said he consulted his coaching staff before making the recommendation and received a positive response from some, but not all. <script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript"> <!-- // begin DisplayAds("Frame1","",""); // --> </script><script language="JavaScript1.1" src="http://oas-central.realmedia.com/RealMedia/ads/adstream_jx.ads/www.stltoday.com/sports/cards/1222015672@Frame1" type="text/javascript"></script>


Any intrigue surrounding the possibility evaporated when Mozeliak concurred with the owners that signing Bonds would run counter to the club's stated commitment this season to younger players.

"It became moot as soon as I raised it and they said no," La Russa said.

Mozeliak confirmed discussing the matter as well as underscoring his lack of enthusiasm for the idea.

"Tony and I discussed it. I never got the feeling this was something he wanted to push for. He had some interest in it," Mozeliak said. "To me, to bring in somebody as protection in case something happened is a very different equation."

La Russa tried to stir interest for Bonds during the 2006 winter meetings by approaching agent Jeff Borris. The Cardinals met the next day with Bonds' representatives from the Beverly Hills Sports Council before the owners scotched any further talks; Bonds returned to the Giants shortly afterward for $15.53 million, a number the Cardinals were never willing to entertain.

STLtoday - Sports - Cardinals

Brian34Cook

Cardinal players would welcome Bonds
By Tom D'Angelo
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, February 26, 2008

JUPITER - The discussion was short. St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa inquired about pursuing Barry Bonds. General Manager John Mozeliak shot down the idea.

But the possibility remains intriguing. "I think it would be awesome. I would love it,'' Cardinals second baseman Adam Kennedy said. "I wouldn't mind playing with one of the best players ever. Who wouldn't?'' Most Cardinals asked Tuesday about the possibility of sharing the clubhouse with the game's all-time home-run king and most controversial player endorsed the idea. They cited Bonds' skills, which allowed him to lead the majors last season, at age 43, with a .480 on-base percentage. Some questioned how he would fit in defensively and none believed he would be a distraction despite the circus atmosphere his presence surely would create.

"I'm sure he brings a lot of that, but the city of St. Louis would embrace him,'' pitcher Adam Wainwright said. "They are so good at just loving baseball and being great baseball fans that maybe some of that distraction would go away.''

Cardinal players would welcome Bonds