Here are my thougts:

Bernie: He’s not going to offer any protection for A-Rod.  Even in the best case scenario.  I’m not saying he can’t be in shape or even make the team, but even if he makes the team – I don’t think he will return to All-Star caliber level in order to protect A-Rod.  Whether he could offer protection, even back in his prime – I don’t know – we’ll never know.  But, I will offer this: The Yankees won championships with Bernie as the cleanup hitter, so even though he never had the type of numbers some guys have now, I wouldn’t dismiss him either.

Bonds: I’d be ok with him on a one year deal.  His court case is heating up and I don’t know if it’s a realistic option at this point.  Although I’m fairly confident that Bonds could get back into the swing of things, but I’m just not sure about it in terms of his being able to devote attention to play baseball this season.

Berkman: I already said this would be a wonderful option. 

Manny (the showboater): There are only a handful of guys who could provide A-Rod protection and he’s one of them.  Texeria could be one of them too – but the objection to Texeria is that you’re locked in for 8 years and another $180 million.  Manny, although you would have to pay $75 million is shorter in term.  But there is the danger as Mike suggests, that Manny was motivated by $$$$ while playing for the Dodgers.  Now that he’s got it, he may not care as much.  A valid concern.   So, if Mike is willing to root for Bonds, I guess he’s willing to root for Manny – given the possibility that Bonds might not be an option.  We know Manny is an option, albeit, a risky one.