Scott Ostler has a suggestion in today’s San Francisco Chronicle: some kind of Barry Bonds for Jack Cust trade. How would this work, with Bonds becoming a free agent after the season? Cust, meanwhile, is under Oakland’s control for another five seasons or so.
Cust has easily been the Athletics’ most valuable hitter this year, despite spending April in the minors. Bonds’ season currently ranks 16th among all hitters for VORP even in only 458 plate appearances.
The Giants have a chance to save $700,000 this year by keeping Bonds from reaching 525 plate appearances. It’ll probably go right down to the wire. Preventing him from reaching the last incentive would seem petty, and could mark the end of Barry’s long relationship with the team. Problem is, no one can figure out another team that would have him.
