Barry Bonds and his agent claim collusion, but where would he play? The market, not collusion, is speaking here.

Crede Update

This has likely been the longest week in third baseman Joe Crede’s life. He is aware of all the trade rumors that are circulating around camp, but what he probably did not expect was to hear that he could be placed on waivers. Earlier this week, reports circulated that the White Sox just flat put him out there for anyone to take, but as the week went on we found out that just is not true. Crede is coming off a season that ended prematurely due to a season injury that required surgery. While Crede was out the White Sox found a younger, cheaper, and possibly better third baseman in Josh Fields. Before Crede went down, he was hitting .216 with 4 home runs and 22 RBI in 47 games. Currently the market has gone cold for Crede, but the White Sox do not want to carry two third basemen either. Look for Crede to end up either on waivers or gets an out right release. I cannot see the Sox sending Josh Fields back to the minors, because an over paid player is back from injury. Fantasy owners beware (especially AL-Only owners) – if the White Sox send Crede somewhere, it will likely be the National League.

Huston We’ve Got a Problem

There have been reports that the Oakland Athletics are talking long term with stud closer Huston Street. Do not fall victim to this rumor, as the rebuilding A’s are going to let Street prove that he is completely healthy, then trade him when his value is at its highest. Street was limited to 48 appearances last season due to problems with a nerve in his elbow. The A’s have traded everyone worthy of a trade for prospects, and, along with the Joe Blanton rumors, the Athletics would be willing to ship Street out as well. So far there is no official trade offer, but, hypothetically speaking, if teams like the Mets are struggling to close out games come July 30th, look for the A’s to rob a farm system.

Please Go Away

Over the last couple of weeks there have been lots of rumors surrounding Barry Bonds and potential employers, but every time a rumor like this surfaces a GM comes out and says no, Bonds claims to be in game-shape and will only need a few weeks with live pitching to get his timing back. No one is going to bankrupt their team to take on a cancer like Barry Bonds. If the Rays do not want a hitter like Bonds then no one will take him. Bonds is only four RBI from 2000 and 65 hits away form 3000. Here are possibilities for Bonds in 2008, if any:

• First you can take away all of the NL teams due to his aging knees. His knees will cause him to miss too many games, and will keep him from getting fly balls in the gap.
• Second, he cannot go to Toronto because of his bail agreement in relation to the pending indictment charges. Toronto obviously plays half of their games in another country, and in bail agreements, it clearly prohibits international travel.
• Third, the rest of the AL East would likely be out because of the bail situation as well. If you play in the AL East, your team will likely have to travel to Canada at least 10 times. Besides that, where would they play him? The Red Sox already have David Ortiz and the Yankees have Jason Giambi and Hideki Matsui getting at-bats there. The Rays have already said no, and the Orioles are rebuilding, so why would they sign him?
• Fourth, you have to consider the other teams that already have a solid DH that is already a lock to put up better numbers than the aging Bonds. So now, you can subtract the Indians, Mariners, White Sox, Angels, Tigers, and Athletics, who, by the way, are rebuilding and start the year in Japan, then play a few games in Toronto this year.
• So, what does that leave for teams? Bonds could go to the Rangers, Royals, or Twins. The Rangers would not bring back alleged steroid user Sammy Sosa, so why would bring in the walking chemistry set that is Barry Bonds? The Royals are a team filled with youngsters, and Bonds’ presence would be distracting and detrimental to the development of the young kids. The Twins are not a team that brings in controversial players, and if they would not pay Torii Hunter what makes you think that they would pay him. Besides, Bonds wants a championship above all else, and he is not going to get that with a team that still needs a DH. Sorry Bonds, you are all done.

You’re Fired

Earlier this week, the Washington Nationals made a shocking move when they gave last years opening day starter the axe. John Patterson has never lived up to the expectations that followed the 2005 season and the Nationals are sick of it. There are a few teams interested in offering Patterson a minor league deal, but they would also need to invest a lot of time in rebuilding Patterson’s arm strength as he attempts to come back from multiple forearm problems. Patterson was limited to 15 starts last season including the opening day start. In those 15 starts, Patterson was 1-5 with 7.47 ERA. The Nationals claim that the move had nothing to do with his struggles this spring, but they felt he was not 100 percent. Look for the Astros to sign the 30-year-old, and keep him in the minors until about June. Patterson will be a fantasy non-factor. Let him go undrafted.

Noteworthy News

• The Brian Roberts deal seems to be on hold now. Last week’s offer from the Cubs should have been the one to get the deal done, but Mark DeRosa seems to be okay after a minor procedure to eliminate and irregular heartbeat. If the deal is going to happen, it will occur before the All-Star break.
• I know that this has nothing to do with baseballs market watch, but I feel the need to commend the Red Sox for their successful protest. By sitting out until the coach had gotten their bonuses, the Red Sox showed a tremendous amount of respect and appreciation for their staff. This just come to show you that if the players did not have this kind of staff around that they would not be as good as they are when it come down to the nitty-gritty.