It's only talk, but the Tampa Bay Rays' front office has had internal discussions about bringing 43-year-old Barry Bonds on board. Now, for a rebuilding team such as Tampa Bay, there is really only one reason to even consider Bonds, who faces federal perjury and obstruction of justice charges, rather than use the roster spot for a guy who might develop into a player down the line - attendance.
Tampa Bay averaged just a little more than 17,000 fans a game last year, about half the American League average. As dismal as that figure was, it happened to be the best attendance the Rays have had in seven seasons, so their desperation is understandable. In addition to a few more fans, Bonds might actually mean a few more wins and, who knows, could even help Tampa Bay unseat the Orioles for fourth place in the AL East.
But is such a prize worth it?