Why Barry Bonds Sits in Exile - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

The Hardball Times is getting back into full stride these days, and today is no different. THT's John Beamer brings up the name we've all sort of forgotten (except when the government doesn't use spell check) and why Msr. Barry Bonds isn't likely to get a contract this year.

Some hints: It's not because he won't produce (he will; last year was the second-best age 42 season of all-time), it's not because of the indictment (plenty of time for that still), and it's not because GMs are afraid their fans will revolt (they will, but their hearts won't be in it). No, it's thanks to Bud Selig:

The final nail in Bonds' proverbial coffin is Bud Selig. Selig sits atop the baseball world as its most powerful individual. He is sick and tired of the entire Bonds saga and clearly has no time for the man. No one will forget his apathetic celebration when Bonds broke Hank Aaron's home run record.

Selig wants Bonds out of the game and has let that be known among the owners in no uncertain terms. Any owner who went so expressly against Selig's wishes would be at a disadvantage in years to come.

Beamer's point sticks: As long as Selig says MLB is done with Bonds, Bonds is done with MLB. No club is brave enough to risk the money-teat that is Selig's administration.