yagsy
03-23-2005, 02:12 PM
http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/padres/20050323-9999-1s23padres.html
Towers hopes club can take advantage
By Tom Krasovic
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
March 23, 2005
PEORIA, Ariz. – The way Kevin Towers sees it, a fast start by the Padres could become even more important now that Giants star Barry Bonds is almost certain to begin the season on the disabled list.
"We just hope that while he's out of the lineup you can maybe gain a little cushion," said the Padres' general manager. "The minute that guy does come back, they could do a lot of damage."
Bonds, recovering from his third knee surgery since October, said yesterday that he could miss half or all of the 2005 season. Bonds also said he's worn out by media inquiries regarding steroids.
A few Padres described it as a potential smokescreen and said they wouldn't be surprised if Bonds returns in late April or May – but none would mind if the seven-time Most Valuable Player checks back in 2006.
Led by Bonds, San Francisco has finished ahead of the Padres in each of the past six seasons.
"From a selfish standpoint, hell, yeah, it would be great not to see him in the lineup all year long," Towers said. "(But) it is exciting when he's playing."
In the last five years, Bonds has averaged 52 home runs, 123 runs scored and 109 RBI. He set a major league record last year with a .609 on-base percentage.
"Obviously he's a big piece of their lineup," said right fielder Brian Giles. "But you can't point to it and say just because they don't have Barry in their lineup we're going to whup up on them."
Said second baseman Mark Loretta: "It would be a blow to their team if he's out – but they've got a lot of good players on their team."
Bonds' right knee, twice repaired by surgeons this year, is one concern for the 40-year-old left fielder. But most of the player's remarks yesterday were directed at reporters who've questioned him on steroid use.
"You wanted me to jump off a bridge; I finally did," Bonds said.
"I'm not going to say I'm sympathetic," said Padres reliever Trevor Hoffman, who characterized Bonds' remarks as a "woe-is-me interview."
Padres cleanup man Phil Nevin said he'll take no delight if the Giants are without Bonds when the Padres and Giants contest five games next month.
"You want to beat teams at their best," Nevin said. "I enjoy playing in games against the best players. Obviously he's hurting. It's not good for the game. People want to see Barry on the field. Players want to see Barry on the field."
In Towers' characterization, Bonds "impacts the game of baseball more than any player in the history of the game. The rest of the clubs in the division will benefit because he's out, but the people who will get hurt are the fans."
He added, "Psychologically, it's good for your club. The Giants are such a tough club to beat."
Towers hopes club can take advantage
By Tom Krasovic
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
March 23, 2005
PEORIA, Ariz. – The way Kevin Towers sees it, a fast start by the Padres could become even more important now that Giants star Barry Bonds is almost certain to begin the season on the disabled list.
"We just hope that while he's out of the lineup you can maybe gain a little cushion," said the Padres' general manager. "The minute that guy does come back, they could do a lot of damage."
Bonds, recovering from his third knee surgery since October, said yesterday that he could miss half or all of the 2005 season. Bonds also said he's worn out by media inquiries regarding steroids.
A few Padres described it as a potential smokescreen and said they wouldn't be surprised if Bonds returns in late April or May – but none would mind if the seven-time Most Valuable Player checks back in 2006.
Led by Bonds, San Francisco has finished ahead of the Padres in each of the past six seasons.
"From a selfish standpoint, hell, yeah, it would be great not to see him in the lineup all year long," Towers said. "(But) it is exciting when he's playing."
In the last five years, Bonds has averaged 52 home runs, 123 runs scored and 109 RBI. He set a major league record last year with a .609 on-base percentage.
"Obviously he's a big piece of their lineup," said right fielder Brian Giles. "But you can't point to it and say just because they don't have Barry in their lineup we're going to whup up on them."
Said second baseman Mark Loretta: "It would be a blow to their team if he's out – but they've got a lot of good players on their team."
Bonds' right knee, twice repaired by surgeons this year, is one concern for the 40-year-old left fielder. But most of the player's remarks yesterday were directed at reporters who've questioned him on steroid use.
"You wanted me to jump off a bridge; I finally did," Bonds said.
"I'm not going to say I'm sympathetic," said Padres reliever Trevor Hoffman, who characterized Bonds' remarks as a "woe-is-me interview."
Padres cleanup man Phil Nevin said he'll take no delight if the Giants are without Bonds when the Padres and Giants contest five games next month.
"You want to beat teams at their best," Nevin said. "I enjoy playing in games against the best players. Obviously he's hurting. It's not good for the game. People want to see Barry on the field. Players want to see Barry on the field."
In Towers' characterization, Bonds "impacts the game of baseball more than any player in the history of the game. The rest of the clubs in the division will benefit because he's out, but the people who will get hurt are the fans."
He added, "Psychologically, it's good for your club. The Giants are such a tough club to beat."