Rangers, Orioles Watch Barry Bonds Negotiations

The Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles are watching to see whether slugger Barry Bonds and the San Francisco Giants contract talks advance toward resolution. The Rangers and Orioles have room for a slugger at DH, and potentially deep enough pockets to acquire Bonds if Bonds and the Giants negotiations stall. So far, progress is limited, with Bonds and the team a reported $7 million apart. Bonds has reportedly opened negotiations with a request for $14 million a year, an amount the Giants have no intention of paying. Bonds will have to come down significantly to keep communications open. So far, it looks suspiciously like the Giants intend to pay little more than lip service.