I had posted this earlier, but for some reason it didn't take, so here it is again.

On The Block – Jason Bay

Recent talk out of Pittsburgh has the Pirates potentially trading the face of their franchise, Jason Bay, in order to help replensish a impoverished farm system.  Bay is regarded to be the best moveable part not starting in the rotaiton right now, as he's due $13.25 million the next two seasons. 

Bay for the most part has accepted the fact, though he'd like to stay with the Pirates and help turn things around. 

The Why:  I've just said the why just now, but pretty much because the Pirates feel they have options, he's cheap and it wouldn't hurt to see what potential package you could get in return.

The Rumored Asking Price:  The papers have people predicting a Bartolo Colon/Mark Teixeira deal.  That won’t happen.  More likely, an average pitching prospect and a positional player prospect will get it done, though a third guy could be included.  Who knows?

Can A Trade Be Done:  Yes.  Bay doesn’t have a no-trade clause and with the market for outfield corners looking rather shallow at the moment, Bay would fetch a couple of decent prospects, should a GM have expendable prospects he’d be willing to deal. 

The Good:  Bay is coming off of an off year, but he'#### for power and has good speed on the basepaths.  His plate discipline is reasonably good and he's regarded to be a solid defender in left field.  He's also regarded to be a good clubhouse guy and would be a solid complimentry piece (not a star) to add to your lineup.

Potential Hang-ups:

• Performance In 2007:  Are you buying on the pre-2007 Bay or the 2007 version of Bay?  He's a gamble, but it's got to be asked what you're getting here.
• Health - Bay has also undergone some health issues this past year and you have to wonder if they'll creep back up again.
• Stupid Asking Prices - The Pirates have asked for absolutely stupid packages in the past for their players and have either been burned or shot down completely, the most recent of which was their offer for Jack Wilson (3B Troy Glaus) from the Jays, although, looking back, maybe the Jays should have taken it.

Potential Suitors – In Alphabetical Order

• San Francisco Giants – San Fran is going to need an outfielder and Bay could fit the bill.  The Giants could concievably decide to package Noah Lowry along with someone else, perhaps Nate Scherholtz, in order to get a deal done.
• Philadelphia Phillies – This could be done if the Phillies feel that they could have a deal for Pat Burrell, which could be done if they were to involve the next team bellow.  They could flip Burrell to the White Sox, provided he waives his no trade, and gain Bay, who is cheaper, and potentially Joe Crede, who would be a solid fit at third base, strengthening the lineup and making it a bit more fiscally flexible if they want to add anything else during the off-season.
• Chicago White Sox – Or, the White Sox could flip Bay for Crede and change and bypass the Phillies altogether, though the Pirates and White Sox would need to come up with a fit.  Perhaps Bay and Zach Duke for Crede and Lance Broadway?
• Texas Rangers – This is an interesting fit, from a non-homer perspective.  .Texas needs a left fielder and could use someone young to build around like Bay.  It would allow the Rangers to use Frank Cattalonotto at first base, limiting his defensive limitations and allow Texas to field a potential outfield of Bay, Centerfielder to Be Named Later, and David Murphy with Marlon Byrd as the utility outfielder.  The Rangers could trade for Bay, including Joaquin Arias, who could still be useful to the Pirates in the future, along with a couple of interesting arms in Robinson Tejeda, who could still be an effective starter and would be able to work in the pen for a bit to get his confidence up, and Gerald Laird, who needs to get the hell out of Texas and has experience to handle a staff.  If the Pirates want to sub, I'd give them the option of adding Luis Mendoza, who has become an effective groundball pitcher with some promise.  This could be overpaying a bit, but I'd be willing to give it a shot.
• New York Mets – The Mets are another organization that could potentially go after Bay, as they are in need of a left fielder.  However, it would almost certainly involve one of their talented young outfielders, likely Carlos Gomez, who needs another year, and a pitching prospect, likely Mike Pelfrey, who the Mets are quickly souring on.
• Minnesota Twins – Bucco Blog reported that the Twins may have some interest, with Matt Garza being mentioned in return.  I don't think it would be Garza, but another prospect, Kevin Slowley perhps, would be close enough to a deal.  The Twins in the past haven't been willing to make a trade, especially when it comes to their small horde of pitching prospects, but I would pull the trigger here, especially since the Twins need a big bat and much of their lineup is filled with defensive replacements.  I think it would benefit both sides. 

If I Had To Make A Trade Now:   It would look like this...

The Texas Rangers trade RHP Robinson Tejeda, RHP Luis Mendoza, SS Joaquin Arias to the Pittsburgh Pirates for LF Jason Bay

That's really the only deal that I can think of right now on short notice that would go through.  Thoughts?

First of all, I would like to say the following about Felix Hernandez and Ben Sheets....

Scary Good Opening Days.  I hope we get more of the same as the season moves along.

Now onto my rant.

LA Times columnist T.J. Simers attempts to be controversal, but comes off more as aggrevating.  He tries to make his point by causing a scene, hurling insults everywhere, and making the column about himself in general.  In essence, he's probably the Paris Hilton of Sports Writers and should have his own website dedicated to firing him and ripping him every which way he can, similar to Fire Joe Morgan.  He was one of the major reasons why Paul DePodesta was run out of LA, as he spread his poison across the city about how horrible his "stat-head" analysis was for the Dodgers and how it ruined them, even though the truth of the matter was that the Dodgers were largely snake-bitten by injuries and as a result were fielding less than desirable players at most of the positions.

Hold up, upon further research, I've found a petition to get him fired. 

Recently, Simers took the time up to lay a few salvos at the new Angels centerfielder, Gary Matthews Jr.  Simers' comments are in bold. 

There was a bottle of clear liquid in Mr. HGH's locker before the Angels' opener, but I can only guess what it might've been since Gary Matthews wasn't talking to Page 2.

He had a big hug for Texas' Sammy Sosa, and I would've asked what they had in common, but he kept turning his body away from me. It was like I was dating again.

The dating reference is lame and judging by Simers' rep, I would probably be ignoring his #### too.  I just love how he works in a steroid angel right off the bat.  Clever.  It's also made very clear early on in this column that Matthews not only knows who Simers is, but is deliberately avoiding him less he give Simers any ammunition whatsoever to use in his drivel.

Never met the guy before Monday,

What a surprise! 

But when I said something, Matthews looked to the Daily News' Kevin Modesti or San Diego's Chris Jenkins and asked, "Do you have a question for me?"

First of all, Simers isn't the normal beat reporter for either the Angels or the Dodgers.  He's strictly a columnist/talking head that is paid for his opinion and doesn't cover either team on a regular basis.  Modesti covers the Dodgers and the Angels as well as other LA Sports teams.  Jenkins' work appears to appear in several papers across the country.  So, when you boil it down, both have a lot more leeway than the stupid Page 2 columnist for the Times, who doesn't need any player commentary anyway when he does a column.

Modesti wanted to know about the support Matthews was going to get from his family now that he was playing close to home, and Jenkins was just as tough on him. As I told Jenkins later, I was proud of him for not asking for his autograph.

First of all, you don't go right out and ask a player if he was doing roids.  You'll either get pimped slapped or ignored, like Simers is about to in the article.  It's good interviewing to being by asking a player simple questions, in hopes of asking the tougher questions later.

Each time I questioned Matthews, though, it was like he had just been struck dumb. Who knew the Angels had signed Kevin Brown during the off-season? That reminds me, I never did get to ask Brown about the clear liquid that he had been rumored to be using.

For the record, Kevin Brown was an ####.  Second of all, I've heard nothing about him doing anything aside from almost shooting someone not too long ago and for attacking a water cooler and a clubhouse wall.

I INTENDED to write about Garret Anderson, a healthy Anderson for the first time since 2003 and the key role that I thought he might play this season in making the Angels successful.

So why didn't you?

We chatted for a long time, and Anderson was laughing, and I'm not making this up: He said fans should expect him to have a good year, because he expects it of himself, and gave me permission to rip him if he falters, although that was unnecessary.

Again, why didn't you proceed wtih the article on Anderson?  It seems like you hade more material for that column than you did for this piece of ####

Then I stopped by Matthews' locker to see what he was like...

What is he, a zoo exhibit?

Taking for granted the Angels would've advised the pro to act professional when asked the obvious questions. Instead, he reacted like Harpo Marx with an attitude.

Remember this line later on in the article. 

Channel 7's Curt Sandoval requested by e-mail to interview Matthews, because like a number of the media here, he never got the chance to go to Arizona. "That's why I'm here tonight," Sandoval said.

The Angels don't allow cameras in the clubhouse, and when it came time for TV types to interview players, the team declined to make him available. One simple comment like, "I can't do anything about what's happened in the past, but I can give fans something to cheer about this season," would've probably been enough.

Indeed it would have and Matthews probably mismanaged his accusation about as bad as anyone could have this side of Mark McGwire, but the Angels themselves did a lot of CTA (Covering Their ####) in the weeks that followed, and aside from the usual "We're working with INSERT PLAYER NAME HERE to get to the bottom of these accusations" and "INSERT PLAYER NAME HERE hasn't been charged with any crime", the Angels did just as much to keep Matthews away from the media until it was time to do so.

Matthews, now occupying Darin Erstad's locker, which is a disgrace when you consider what a stand-up guy Erstad was here, begged Modesti to ask a question after I said, "Do you think you have to earn the fans' respect here after being Mr. HGH" this spring?"

First of all, what the hell is the fascination with people and Darin Erstad?  He was never the best player on his team, got hurt often, wasn't productive, and instead got props for being "gritty, scruffy, tough, a red-####", all that ####  There was a reason the Angels wanted Erstad gone.  He was no longer even worthwhile of a bench shot.  Trust me, if the Angels could have gotten out of Erstad's horrible long term deal two years ago, they would have done so.

Meanwhile, it's kind of amusing how Matthews if deliberately ignoring Simers as he tosses out some of the most asinine questions ever asked in a interview.  This is about the point where Simers begins to get desperate.

I asked Matthews whether I needed to ask some nice questions to get an answer, and he turned to Jenkins and said, "You have anything for me?"

He's 0 for 2 now in responses, but is batting 1.000 in #### percentage.

I thought that's how he got in trouble — officials alleging that he had gone online asking the same question from someone willing to fill an illegal prescription.

How witty! 

I asked Matthews whether he was familiar with Ryan Leaf, since Matthews reminded me of the punk, and got nothing. I asked him whether the questions were too tough, and got nothing. Now he began to remind me of Mike Garrett.

Always gotta enjoy a good Ryan Leaf reference now and then, even though Matthews and Leaf are two totally different athletes that followed two totally different career paths.  Leaf arrived as an primadonna and played like ####.  Matthews grew up in baseball and made a lot of stops before he finally hit his payday last year.  And, Matthews has always been cordial to the media and is generally regarded to be a peach o####uy.

P.S., can anyone find me any sort of reference between Simers and Leaf, maybe to see if Leaf may have done something to #### off Simers?  Best reference gets a Francisco Liriano Rookie Card.

He told Jenkins, "Growing up in this game helps me deal with things," and so I said, "Didn't growing up in this game help you to deal with tough questions?"

"I've got nothing to say to you; you started off on the wrong foot," said Matthews, who signed a $50-million contract to spend the next five years filling up Page 2. "Maybe next time you will start off on the right foot."

Simers again tries to bait Matthews and this time, Matthews finally acknowledges him with a explaination for blowing him off, recalling his ludicrious beginning to his questioning.  To date, here are the four questions that Simers has already asked Matthews since the interview has begun:

• "Do you think you have to earn the fans' respect here after being Mr. HGH" this spring?
• "Do I Need To Ask You Some Nice Questions To Get An Answer?"
• "Are you familiar with Ryan Leaf?
• "Didn't growing up in this game help you to deal with tough questions?"

Got off to the wrong foot is putting it lightly.

I have no doubt he would've preferred I dance around the No. 1 question, but I got the impression he would've still demanded to lead.

It would have been at least courteous to try and make nice at first,  As I said earlier, even when Barry Bonds is interviewed, he gets a few whiffle balls to get him ready for harder questioning.  Had Simers asked the same questions to Bonds, Bonds would have ripped his spine out, Mortal Kombat style...

Angels owner Arte Moreno insisted Matthews speak to him and everyone else after the drug allegations surfaced, but then rolled over like nothing had happened when Matthews delivered a statement that never addressed the accusations. That statement got Moreno and Matthews off the hook.

What could Moreno have done about that?  He couldn't void the contract or raise a dispute with the players union?  And with Matthews lawyered up, there was little he could do.  In essence, he was screwed.

Matthews said in his statement, "I have never taken HGH," and had he said he used the stuff, he might've been hit with a 50-game suspension. Since baseball doesn't test for HGH, there is no way any one could have proved different. He could be taking the stuff right now, and no one could prove different.

That is a flaw in the testing system, since there is no viable drug test for growth hormone.

But that's not what he was accused of — his name was linked to an investigation into illegal prescriptions, and he has yet to deny it. The obvious question: If Matthews received a prescription for HGH, why get it and not use it?

I'm a little skeptical of the SI article, mostly because they milked all they could out of that story over the course of two weeks, with a new name announced every day.  And as far as Matthews is concerned, he's accussed right now, but he's still innocent until proven guilty.

"I ordered Avodart [hair-loss treatment] and it's been sitting in my closet for six years," Manager Mike Scioscia said. "He made it very clear he didn't use it."

Scioscia said he has never asked Matthews why he might get a prescription for HGH and then not use it.

Don't glare at me," Scioscia joked. "That's the look Sister Camela gave me in second grade."

It seems Simers, after getting rebuked by Matthews, is now determined to get cheap laughts from going after Mike Scioscia.  I'll bet that Garret Anderson column is looking better and better by the paragraph.

Moreno, meanwhile, made it clear before the first game he wants to put a happy face on the Angels right now, although Matthews still hasn't come clean.

The entire industry is ready to move on, but because of the scandal from a few years ago, the writers are just willing

Angels fans also seemed willing to move on, apparently buying Matthews' clever dodge while hoping for the best. They got the chance early on to cheer a leaping Matthews catch, and I'm just glad I got a closer look at the clear liquid Mr. HGH had in his locker, because otherwise I might've attributed his heroics to something other than water.

I think all baseball fans want to move on and are just sick of having to deal with it.  It's a new season and the fans just want to cheer on their teams. 

Now if there was something in the water — here's hoping the rest of the Angels get an occasional sip.

This article has got to be one of the biggest pieces of #### I've read in a while.  But it's fun to poke fun at stupid sports writers.  Now I see why the Fire Joe Morgan Guys love what they do.

I'm not a big Matthews fan, nor do I care about what he does or does not do in a Angels uniform.  However, I will say that this is a hatchet job as much as I can see, all brought on by the fact that Simers was determied to make himself the subject of the story, not Matthews or anybody else.  The more you read the column, the more it seems like he is trying to paint himself as the intrepid investigative reporter that is willing to ask the tough questions no one else would.  He's trying to paint himself as the only one that is willing to put the issue to the forefront. 

If that's so, he did a poor job of it.

Okay, let's see who's next on the list of Previews...

Looks like we'll be staying in the National League.

San Francisco Giants

You’d have thought that Brian Sabean would have gotten the message that the Giants needed to get younger, not older.  Instead of letting the kids take the field and finally acknowledging that Barry Bonds should be allowed to walk off into the sunset, they instead brought in a bunch of older players that don’t make the Giants any better.  After obtaining a dearth of first round picks in this year's draft (their own, which was draft protected, the Dodgers' for signing Jason Schmidt and the Mets for signing Moises Alou, plus supplemental picks for both Schmidt and Alou), the Giants sacrificed their second, third, and fourth round picks to try and make one last push.

Starting Rotation

1. Barry Zito (LHP) – The Giants’ biggest signing, this is probably one of the worst signings in the off-season.  Zito hasn’t been dominant for at least two years.  He’s losing speed on his fastball and his stuff really isn’t great, aside from his curve.  His best quality is his durability, as he consistently logs in 200 innings or more.  But Zito also benefited from a outstanding outfield defense in Oakland, which he won’t get in San Francisco.  So, despite moving to the National League, Zito will probably start logging in an ERA in the 4.00’s from now on.  Even more interesting to keep a watch on is how Zito’s new delivery affects his effectiveness.
2. Matt Morris (RHP) – Morris was pretty bad last season and far from the ace that the Giants were expecting, but he was also victimized by a porous defense, which will also be the case this season.  There’s been talk about Morris having declining stuff, and indeed, he wasn’t able to get his fastball into play.  As a result, he had to rely on his secondary pitches more and more.  Morris could bounce back this year
3. Matt Cain (RHP) – Cain has the potential to develop into an ace down the road.  He was the Giants’ defacto ace last year and improved as the season went on.  Cain’s best pitch is his fastball that clocks into the high 90’s and his changeup is beginning to complement it well as a secondary pitch.  Cain should improve as he gets older, he’s still very young, and could head the rotation possibly by the beginning of next year.
4. Noah Lowry (LHP) – Lowry has got great promise as far as his talent goes.  His best pitch is a filthy changeup that’s complimented by a good changeup and a decent fastball.  His command is great, but the big problem with him is that injuries are going to be an issue.  If he stays healthy, the Giants will be in great shape as far as their front four, though keep an eye out on his elbow. 
5. Russ Ortiz (RHP) – I have the feeling that because of their history with Ortiz, the Giants will start him in place of the more talented and deserving Jonathan Sanchez.  Ortiz clearly isn’t the player he used to be and to be honest, he should be playing on a minor league deal, and not on a major league deal with an almost guaranteed show to win the team.  If Ortiz makes the team and provides any sort of contribution whatsoever, I’ll wear a Giants hat and post the picture online.

Bullpen

• Armando Benitez (Closer) – It’s been a rough couple of years for Benitez since he left the Marlins.  He was ostracized in the clubhouse last year, plus his command and control appeared to be worse than ever and injury once again shortened his season, costing him the job and allowing Mike Stanton to extend his career in baseball.  The Marlins have expressed interest in re-acquiring him, as they don’t seem ready to turn the role over to Tank Tankersley, but the Giants want a significant prospect in return.  I’m sure both sides will come up with a deal, as Benitez looks like he may not succeed again unless he gets the hell out of Frisco.
• Brian Wilson (Setup Man) – The favorite to setup Wilson, the Giants love Wilson’s upside.  This is mainly because of how his fastball-slider combo works in the late innings.  If Benitez is traded, it’s likely Wilson will get the promotion.
• Kevin Correia (RHP) – Correia finally put it all together last season, combining his life stuff with a much improved command, which paid dividends for the Giants as the season wore on.  Correia could also get a crack at the closer’s job if Benitez is traded. 
• Steve Kline (LHP) – The usual solid lefty reliever that every pen needs, but doesn’t always have.
• Jonathan Sanchez (LHP) – Sanchez is a promising young talent with a strong arm that did some time in the bullpen and in the rotation last season.  He’s got a low 90’s fastball with a good changeup.  He does need a third pitch to stick as a starter, but he’s got the potential to be a quality middle of the rotation guy.  Maybe he can learn that curve from Zito.
• Jack Taschner (LHP) – The final guy in the bullpen, in spite of the crappy ERA, Taschner actually improved as the year went on.

Starting Lineup

1. Dave Roberts (CF) – The Giants gave Roberts a 3-year deal to play centerfield.  He does have the speed and defensive prowess to do the job, but he also has a tendency to get hurt and hasn’t played a full season for like, ever.  He’s a solid leadoff man and will help the Giants as far as speed on the bases, but I can’t help but wonder if the Giants couldn’t have found a one year patch as far as centerfield goes, so they could invest in one of the main centerfielders coming out in free agency after the season.
2. Omar Vizquel (SS) – Vizquel won the Gold Glove last season mostly on reputation.  It should have been Adam Everett.  Vizquel put up some pretty solid production last year and would make a solid number two man behind Roberts, giving the Giants a pair of very fast and very old contact hitters.
3. Barry Bonds (LF) – Bonds remains a feared hitter despite his age and health concerns.  It took him almost all of last season to find his swing after missing almost all of 2005 because of his three right knee surgeries.  The Giants hope he can remain an elite power presence in the lineup while hitting the 22 home runs necessary to pass Hank Aaron.  Bonds no longer is even an average defender in left field and won’t be able to play everyday, so expect to see a 120-130 game season from hit, at most.
4. Ray Durham (2B) – Durham earned a nice contract extension after a solid year in which he was able to become a solid run producer, posting career highs in home runs (26) and RBIs (93).  He'll likely hit behind bonds, giving him some protection and substituting as the third man whenever Bonds sits.  However, if Durham’s performance was merely the product of a career year, the Giants are, to be blunt, ####ked. 
5. Rich Aurillia (1B) – Replacing the disappointing combination of Mark Sweeney Lance and Niekro, Aurilla should provide above average offense, namely with power and the ability to hit for average, plus be able to capably man first base.  The defense may not be pretty, but Aurilla should provide enough pop to make you forget about it, or at the very least, tolerate it.
6. Pedro Feliz (3B) – The lack of a capable third baseman meant that the Giants had to re-sign Pedro Felix.  Felix is a solid enough glove, but the offense leaves a lot to be desired.
7. Randy Winn (RF) – Had a down year, but to be honest, the decline was coming.  With the speedier Roberts now in center, Winn moves to right field, where his declining defense won’t be such a problem.  The outfield defense will be a circus of fools this summer. 
8. Bengie Molina (C) – In spite of a solid season, the Blue Jays didn’t renew Molina’s contract, allowing him to return to California to play for the Giants.  Molina doesn’t have the power that he used to, but he's still a capable catcher with maybe another two solid seasons left in him before be begins to decline.

Bench

• Ryan Klesko (IF) – Depending on Aurillia, Kelsko could play his way into the lineup.
• Mark Sweeney (IF) – Sweeney provides a good bat off the bench and remains one of the best left-handed pinch hitters in history.
• Todd Linden (OF) – Linden is a capable backup that will spell Bonds when necessary.
• Kevin Frandsen (IF) – Frandsen may not have much more of a bat than Lance Niekro, but he can play most of the infield, a skill that will cause him to make the team. 
• Eliezer Alfonzo (C) – A more than capable backup catcher, Alfonzo did well last season when Mike Matheny went down. 
• Fred Lewis (OF) – Lewis can play all the outfield spots, plus may be able to be a decent bat of the bench.  It’s unknown if that’s true at the moment, but the Giants will wait and see.

Down On The Farm…

A lack of draft picks, thanks to the desire to build around Bonds, has resulted in the system being stripped of almost any talent that could contribute to help the club in the short term.  While there are some players that could jump in to help out, there is really only one player that we can mention that would have any impact on the squad.

• Tim Lincecum (RHP) – Lincecum is the top Giants prospect in the system right due to the fact that it’s so thin right now due to the multiple signings of over the hill talent, resulting in the loss of draft picks.  Lincecum was said to have the best pure stuff of any pitcher in the draft.  He’s got a mid 90’s fastball and a filthy curve that is his best pitch.  His slider and changeup are good, but not great, but he’s got weapons that are enough to ensure his success.  Though he’s got some control issues, Lincecum’s biggest problem is that he’s little.  At 5’11, he’s one of the shortest pitchers graded to be a starter and many people are worried about his durability.  Still, he’s good enough to become a solid Number Two starter or a lights out closer.  He’s good enough to pitch out of the pen right now, but don’t be surprised if you see him at midseason, depending on the Giants’ fortunes this year.
• Angel Villalona (3B) – Had to mention Villalona, as Baseball Prospectus is very high on him.  He has great power and a good eye for pitch recognition.  He’s got soft hands and a strong arm, making him likely to stick at the position and can even run.  Only one problem:  he’s 16. 

In Conclusion

I have to question this desire to continue to build around Bonds.  It’s already cost not only the farm system, but the long term future of the Giants dearly.  Wouldn’t it be wiser to just being the process of rebuilding instead of going through this misguided delusion that the Giants will compete.

Final Standing:                Fourth in the National League West.

Friday Morning Closer

Here’s my two-pitch outing for the day.

Mets & Twins Are Very Vulnerable

With the losses of Pedro Martinez and Francisco Liriano, the Mets and the Twins are looking like very favorable matchups to their opponents that they’ll meet in October.

Both teams are currently scrambling to try and piece together rotations for the post-season, despite some crippling losses.  The Twins, outside of Johan Santana, are fielding a group of first year prospects.  No offense to the Twins scouting department, but many of these guys aren’t ready.  Matt Garza, despite his talent, has been hit hard a few times, and is clearly not ready.  Carlos Silva has been awful and Brad Radke is a ticking time bomb.  As for the Mets, their entire rotation was built around Pedro, who is done for the year tanks to a calf muscle tear.  With that in mind, Orlando Hernandez, hardly a scary pitcher anymore, will be the Game 1 Starter, with Tom Glavine and Steve Trachel, a pair of soft throwing older pitchers, will be starting Games Two and Three.  John Maine is arguably their best pitcher at the moment, and he could be thrust with the enormous responsibility to keep the Mets alive in a five game series that could send the National League’s best team back home earlier than anticipated.  And while New York can mash, no offensive minded club has won the World Series since the Anaheim Angels back in 2002.

While many analysts are quick to say that both teams have solid bullpens that can shut down opponents in the later innings, this rationale is severely flawed.  A bullpen is only as good as it’s starters, and if the starters flame out quickly, the result could be ugly as the bullpens of both teams will be worked over.  Even worse for the Twins, at the moment, they’ll projected to face the Yankees, who have a dangerous lineup that will tax the Twins’ starters and relievers into submission.  As for the Mets, they may escape the first round if they face the Padres, whose lineup is severely flawed.  But if the Houston Astros were to overtake the Cardinals for the division crown, the Mets had better hope and pray that they don’t advance to the NLCS.

Bonds is Delusional

I know Ken Rosenthal went over this not too long ago, but I have to say my piece.  To quote Dusty Baker “Barry’s crazy.”

Bonds is going to play again next year, that much we know, but he’s not going to get the money that he thinks he should earn.  He needs to realize that his days of being a tenured player who collects his salary, no matter what his playing status is, are over.  He’s stated that he wants to return to the Giants for one final year, but his desire is to obtain a contract for at least $10 million dollars to return.  However, he’s not going to get that, thanks to his age combined with a tolerance that has finally been reached because of years of being abused by their franchise player or simply for the desire to move on. 

Would the Giants love to have Bonds back, to squeeze one final buck out of his home run chase that has less credibility than the Incredible Hulk hosting an anger management workshop?  Sure.  Bonds has always been a hot ticket in San Francisco and the locals would flock to A####mp;T Park to watch dingers fly into the bay.  But Giants owner Peter Magowan has made it clear that he has no problem moving on without Barry and won’t bow down to the surly left fielder if he threatens to leave again.  Magowan also has realized that as long as Bonds remains on the team, he can’t rebuild the Giants into a contender.  The farm system offers little in return, as the pressure to win with Bonds has cost the team several high draft picks that would have benefited the Giants about now.  Plus, Magowan also has the safety blanket of hosting the All-Star Game, which will keep butts in seats for this year alone. 

If Magowan decides to keep Bonds around, the contract will likely be similar to that of what Frank Thomas signed, though the base salary will be far higher than the $500,000 that Thomas signed for when he went to Oakland.   The most likely scenario would be a contract with a base salary of $4 to $5 Million Dollars, with incentives pushing the total to $8 or $9 million.  It would be generous, and would give the Giants some protection if Bonds suffers a relapse of his 2005 season.  However, Bonds will likely balk at the prospect of having to earn his millions, and has stated before “There will never be incentives in my contract. Ever. Ever. Ever."  

Even if Bonds rejects such a deal, he’s got to realize that there is little other options available for him to go to continue his pursuit of Aaron.  Much has been made of him playing for the Athletics, but the fact of the matter is that ownership, plus GM Billy Beane, aren’t going to go for the public lambasting that they’ll receive from signing Bonds, plus he’s going to demand far more than Oakland would be willing to pay.  As a final factor to consider, Bonds has poisoned many a clubhouse over the years.  Would Oakland be willing to kill it’s free spirited clubhouse culture (though it would be great TV to see Bonds and Nick Swisher come to blows) just to have the publicity of a home run chase?  I don’t think so.

Would Bonds try to reunite with his former manager Jim Leyland?  It’s a possibility, but the Tigers are in search of a player that can contribute long term to the team, and not just as a one-year rental.  Bonds also isn't the best player to have around a young team, with his odd behavior, his prima-donna attitude, and his bizarre sense of humor.  Other than that, there are few other places Bonds could go to, as the cloud of controversy, plus the horrible reputation he has built for himself has closed off many former places that may have once entertained having Bonds on the roster. 

Bonds stated when he first returned to San Francisco that it was wonderful to come home again.

Now, home might be the only place willing to have him.

Friday Morning Closer

Here’s my five-pitch outing for the day.

How Johnny Damon's Defection May Have Doomed The Red Sox

During drinking last week, me and the guys somehow came up with this idea.  Actually, it's got some plausability.  Let's take a look.

If this one even had happened, here's what would have happened?

If Damon had re-signed wtih the Red Sox, the Yankees would have been forced to look elsewhere for centerfield help and would probably have had to force Bubba Crosby or Melky Cabrera into center if nothing turned up.  This in turn would have further weakened a Yankee lineup that would be reeling from the losses of Matsui and Sheffield (I'll make it a given at this point that Cabrera would have had the same season.)

The Red Sox would not have had to go out and make the deal for Coco Crisp.  And as a result, the Red Sox would have retained top catching prospect Kelly Shoppach, who's currently hitting .274 with 3 Home Runs and 15 RBI's in 30 Games.  He also calls a good game and Cleveland is very high on him.

The Red Sox would have kept Shoppach in Triple A until Varitek goes down, in which case the Red Sox could have called up Shoppach instead of dealing for the disappointing Javy Lopez.

And the Red Sox still could have gone after Mark Loretta and re-acquired Doug Mirabelli.

Would this have completely saved the Red Sox?  No.  The bullpen is still shot and Broson Arroyo is still in Cincinnatti.  But you have to admit, the team is much less weaker than it is now.

A Clemens Return In 2007?

Aww ####, not this again.

Clemens is 6-4 with a 2.29 ERA.  And Clemens has remarked that he feels pretty good about how he's feeling this season.

Which has now started a bunch of rumors that Clemens may return mid-season yet again.  Boston has reportedly offered him $4 million per month!!!! for him to do just that.

Haven't we had enough of Roger?  This is getting ridiculous...

The Second Roid Free 40/40?

What will Alfonso Soriano soon have in common with Jose Canseco, Alex Rodriguez and Barry Bonds?

Being a member of the 40/40 Club.

Alfonso Soriano has more than a month left to try to join the exclusive 40-40 club, and it looks like he’ll do it with time to spare.  He's at 43 Homers and 34 Stolen Bases.

If Soriano does it, he'll become only the fourth player to hit 40 homers and steal 40 bases in one season, joining Jose Canseco (1988), Barry Bonds (1996) and Alex Rodriguez (1998).   He'll also become the second member of the 40/40 to do so without steroid allegations (though Bonds was still normal sized when he did it.)  While there is some talk about him becoming the founding member of the 50-50 club, it's a little late in the season to pull that trick off.

Doomed By Deer Meat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rockies top prospect Troy Tulowitzki was called up to the big club on Wednesday, replacing Clint Barmes, who had such a breakout season until the infamous "deer meat" accident.  Tulowitzki was the team's first pick in the June 2005 draft and the seventh player taken overall.  The Rockies really didn't have to promote Tulowitzki to the 40-player roster until after next year to protect him from the Rule V Draft, but , but they have decided to speed up that process.  Tulowitzki was hitting .292 with 12 Home Runs and 57 RBI's in Double A.

I say the Rockies should have waited until today to call him up, where they could have expanded the rosters.

It's a sad ending to Barmes' major league starting career.  Last year, he was probably the favorite to win the NL's Rookie of the Year until he went down (and Ryan Howard heated up.)  He'll make a quality defensive replacement, and maybe could slide over to second base or centerfield.

The Return Of Canseco Watch!!!!

A reminder why aging superstars shouldn’t come out of retirement?

Jose Canseco’s Stats.

.179 Batting Average

4 Homers

9 RBI’s

29 Strikeouts

Good Night Now.

Friday Morning Closer

Here is my six-pitch outing for today.

A Breakdown Of The Aubrey Huff Trade

Since I don’t want to begin with Bonds News Today, here is a breakdown on the Aubrey Huff trade, which I didn’t want to conflict with the All-Star Week Special Columns I cooked up for you all.

Aubrey Huff was sent to the Houston Astros along with $1.6 million in cash for a pair of Minor League prospects, RHP Mitch Talbot and switch-hitting shortstop Ben Zobrist.  For The Astros, they get the flexible Huff, who will more than likely be starting in right field to replace Jason Lane.  Huff gives the Astros a shot in the arm in terms of power and contact.  Plus, he also gives the Astros a second legitimate power bat to protect Lance Berkman. 

As for Tampa, it’s a good trade.  For once, they didn’t botch it up, like they did with the Danys Baez trade.  Zobrist is the better of the bunch, batting .328 with a team-high 25 doubles and a league-best six triples in 82 games for Corpus Christi this season.  While the Devil Rays are trying to pass him off as an utilityman, the fact is that Zobrist is a hell of a lot better defensively than B.J. Upton, who is horrible.  With that in mind, the best thing for the Rays to do is have Zobrist become the shortstop while moving Upton to third base, in order to minimize the damage he can do defensively.   As for Talbot, he is a ways away from being ready.  He’s 6-4 with a 3.39 ERA in Corpus Christi this season and had the best control among the Astros’ minor league pitchers by Baseball America.  He also has a good changeup-fastball combination and should be a decent middle of the rotation starter. 

Bonds To Be Indicted

According to a report in the New York Daily News, Major League Baseball expect a San Francisco grand jury to indict Giants slugger Barry Bonds, possibly even as soon as next week on charges of perjury and tax evasion.  Several sources within MLB said they found plenty of damning information about Bonds in their own investigation, which was covertly launched a year before Bud Selig appointed George Mitchell in March to head an MLB inquiry into steroid use.   The issue that is going to be important is what is Selig going to do with Bonds if he is indicited. 

Selig will likely allow Bonds to continue playing, fearing the wrath of the Giants and the Players Union (even though Bonds is not a member.)  However, what Selig should do is invoke the "Best Interests Of The Game" clause and suspend Bonds from playing in the meantime, not because of the record, but because this three ring circus is the last thing that the game needs at this point in time.

Kerry Wood Done For The Year…And Done With Chicago

Old news, but Kerry Wood is Done For The Year.  An MRI arthrogram taken last Friday at Northwestern Memorial Hospital showed why Wood has been complaining about shoulder soreness while playing catch in recent weeks and why he had to shut down a simulated game June 19 in Cleveland after 70 pitches.  His rotator cup is showing a tear.  Wood is expected to try to rehab the tear without having arthroscopic surgery to repair it -- a difficult procedure, he has been told.

Still, this is the final nail in the coffin for Wood’s career in Chicago.  After about ten years or so since his debut in 1997, Wood has teased the Cubs with promise, but has not been able to stay healthy long enough to become the ace he was expected to be when he first came up. 

Wood has acknowledged for the first time that he might have to consider returning as a reliever (something I said he should do.  His stuff is good enough to make his a good closer.)  But with all the work that’s been done on his arm and shoulder, he’s going to have to accept a low market deal to give himself a shot at keeping a job.  It’s certain that the Cubs will turn down his $13.5million option for 2007.  General manager Jim Hendry might offer him an incentive-laden, one-year deal to return, similar to what was given to Sidney Ponson.  However, I’m not sure that Hendry, or the Tribute Company for that matter, will want the Kerry Wood show to continue to symbolize the Cubs of the last four years or so.  Promising, but unfulfilled. 

Sir Sidney In The Bronx?

Sidney Ponson was released by the Cardinals yesterday, and has already found himself a new home with the New York Yankees.  The deal make any sense in that there really isn’t any other option for New York.  The market on starters is low and the Yankees need something ANYTHING to shore up that rotation, with Shawn Chacon getting rocked and Carl Pavano still gone.  However, I’m not sure that Ponson will be much more of a contributor than Jaret Wright.  He’ll probably give you six before turning it over to the pen, another concern for New York.  The offense will likely need to continue to have to mash in order for the Yankees to even have a prayer at winning the AL East. 

This Should Be Popular With The Red Sox Nation

Thanks to a recent licensing agreement between Major League Baseball and a company called Eternal Images, you too can go into the afterlife showing your team loyalty.  Thanks to Eternal Images’ new lines of customized caskets and cremation urns, decorated with the team logo and colors of your choice.  Baseball marketing officials had been approached a number of times over the years for permission to use MLB trademarks this way and reluctantly decided that a licensing agreement was the best way to make sure that it was done in a tasteful and respectful manner.  MLB will receive an 11 percent royalty from the sale of all caskets and urns bearing team logos, which could add up to some good money because the customized MLB caskets are expected to retail for up to $3,500 and the cremation urns up to $1,000.  I don’t know if this is genius or gruesome…

Canseco Watch

After underperforming for much of his time with the Long Beach Armada (during which Jose Canseco Photo Giveaway Weekend was held), Canseco finally broke out of his slump yesterday, going 3 for 3 with four RBI’s and reportedly was only a triple away from the cycle.  His batting average is now at .308.  Interestingly enough, he is listed as an outfielder, which means we probably won’t get news about Canseco and his “knuckleball.”

The Next Mr. 3000

Because we as baseball fans are all wild about milestones, here is a list of one of the hardest milestones to achieve in baseball, 3000 hits.  Looking at the field and the list of the current hit leaders in baseball, here are the likeliest candidates of players that have a shot at the milestone.

Craig Biggio

Current Number: 2867

The leader of the pack, Biggio will likely play one more year with the Astros, and should reach this milestone by next year, unless he has a tremendous year.

Chances:  He’s A Lock.

Barry Bonds

Current Number: 2780

Barry would love to make the 500/3000 club as he’s a stat junkie.  Bonds won’t hit 3000 hits this year, but if he decides to return next year as a Designated Hitter, Bonds should be able to make the club unless his body finally gives out.

Chances:  Excellent, if he returns next year.

Derek Jeter

Current Number:  2022

Jeter has years ahead of him and has reached the milestone near the age of 32.  Provided that Jeter doesn’t suffer any lasting injury and maintains a relatively good production number, he should hit number 3000 by age 39.

Chances:  Excellent

Alex Rodriguez

Current Number:  1973

A-Rod will crack the 2000 mark at a younger age than Jeter.  Rodriguez remains one of the most productive players in history and provided that he doesn’t break down or goes through a Chuck Knoblauch-like meltdown, he should crack 3000 hits around the same time as Jeter.  He’s also going to be the next member of the elite 500/3000 club.

Chances:  Excellent

Edgar Renteria

Current Number:  1672

Renteria is in his early thirties and still has a few good years left ahead of him.  If Renteria continues to tear it up and continues to stay healthy, he’ll hit this milestone.  He’ll still need to eventually make a position change.  On a side note, Renteria at the moment is a borderline hall of famer and will probably need to join the 3000 club to get in.

Chances:  Good

Ivan Rodriguez

Current Number:  2266

Pudge still can hit, as he’s proving, but he’s losing power.  Still, Rodriguez can be a very good player for a few more years if he switches from catching to DH.  If he’s able to move, he’s got a shot.

Chances:  Good

Vlad Guerrero

Current Number:  1666

Vlad just turned 30, so he’s going to be around for several more years.  If he manages to stay healthy and keep a steady stream of production, I don’t doubt that we’ll see Vlad reaching this milestone by the time he hits 42 or so.

Chances:  Good

Manny Ramirez

Current Number: 1987

Manny is 34, but he’s getting close to achieving career hit 2000 this year.  Manny usually averages around 160 hits per season and has always been a constant force at the plate.  Though he’s likely to begin breaking down this year because of age, Manny could go to another AL club to serve as a DH.  Manny will come close and depending on how his body holds up, he could reach it.  My diagnosis:  he just misses it.

Chances:  Fair

Ken Griffey Jr.

Current Number: 2350

Junior still needs to keep off the disabled list, though this time he actually returned from it.  However, Griffey still has a few good years ahead of him if he signs as a Designated Hitter whenever his contract with the Reds ends. 

Chances:  Fair

Julio Franco

Current Number: 2537

Franco is a physical marvel at his age.  He certainly could play everyday for some team if he got the shot, but because he’s now a bench player, Franco will likely never get to 3000.  Still, he’s got good enough numbers and was a solid enough player both stateside, in Mexico, and in Japan, that he’s going to be in the Hall of Fame someday. 

Chances:  Slim

Miguel Tejada

Current Number: 163

Tejada just turned 30 this year and thus far continues to tear things up at the plate.  But while Tejada remains a constant force at the plate, I’m wondering how the injuries that he’s fought through to keep up his consecutive game streak will affect his body as he ages.  I’m not sure that Tejada will hit the milestone unless he eventually begins to DH. 

Chances:  Slim

Johnny Damon

Current Number: 1870

Damon is a special case.  He’s 32 and has always managed near 180 hits for his career.  However, Damon’s hard nosed, sel####estructive type of play in centerfield is likely going to cost this milestone, and possibly, a Hall of Fame ending to his career.

Chances:  Won’t Make It

Friday Morning Closer

 Here’s my four-pitch outing for the day:

Replacing Matsui

With Hideki Matsui gone, the Yankees are left in a bit of a rut.  While their offense is still powerful enough to be able to make it through the season with Bubba Crosby or Melky Cabrera in the lineup, it's likely not going to happen.

As far as finding a fieldger to replace Matsui's offensive production, the only available options that are out on the market are Torii Hunter and Alfonso Soriano.  Both are likely going to cost a lot in prospects, something the Yankees are very reluctant to give up.

Little Giants?

Regardless of whether Barry Bonds returns for another season, which is very much in doubt if you read anything into the war of words going on between Bonds and owner Peter Magowan, the Giants are going to be a much different team next season.  At the moment, the Giants are an older team that is clearly in decline.  Last season was an indication of it, as the Giants went from 90 or so wins in 2004 and just missing the playoffs to a 75 win team that was ravaged by injuries and declining production in it’s players.  The fact of the matter is that this team was built to take advantage of the limited window the Giants had with a healthy Bonds.  As a result, their payroll has been maxed out, thanks to high contracts to veteran players.  An even more horrifying result has been that because of all the Free Agent signings, the Giants have lost valuable draft picks and have traded away prospects that could be awaiting their chance to take over once the Giants begin to let players go.  Because the division is rapidly growing younger, it's time to start over again. 

Despite the age on some of the players, there are some valuable trade chips, such as Jason Schmidt, Ray Durham, possible Steve Finley and others, for more prospects and try to rebuild from there.  Maybe there could even be some major league talent thrown in there too that could get a shot at starter.  

Does this sound like conceding the division?  Yeah it does.  But the Rockies and Diamondbacks are both fielding young, talented teams, the Dodgers are in transition to becoming a much younger team and the Padres are, well, the Padres.  The fact of the matter is that the Giants need to become younger and develop their farm system quick.  Otherwise, they'll wind up in the same spot as Baltimore Orioles are now.

One deal the Mets wish they had back.

Scott Kazmir is quickly solidifying himself as one of the best young left handers in the game.  Kazmir shut out the Mariners for seven innings on Wednesday', scattering just three hits and winning for the fourth time in his past five starts in a 1-0 win.  At the moment, Kazmir is ranked fifth in the league in innings pitched (second among left handed pitchers), second in strikeouts (leader among left handed pitchers, and most importantly, tied for second in wins (only Gustavo Chacin has a better record.)   

Brilliant!

I don’t know if you all have heard of this story, but I’ll share it with you if you haven’t. 

The Broxton Rox of the independent Can-Am want to place a bet with the Kansas City Royals.  The bet is that the Rox will win more games than the Royals will this year, even though the Rox only play a 92 game schedule.  If the Royals win more, the Rox will donate $500 to a Royals charity.  If the Rox win, the Royals will donate $5000 to the Rox’s favorite charity.  Last year, the Rox won 50 games.  The Royals only won 56. 

As sad as it is to say, I’m taking the Rox on this one.

Pirates of the Cuban-ian

It's no secret that the Pirates suck.

It's also no secret that Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks and a Pittsburgh native, wants to buy them.

Cuban has made inquiries, officially starting last fall, unofficially for years now, into buying the Pirates from owner Kevin McClatchy.  So far, he's been told that the team isn't for sale.

However, McClatchy should really reconsider his stance.

The Pirates have sucked for 13 (going on 14 from the looks of it) years now, since they allowed homegrown superstars Barry Bonds and Bobby Bonilla to leave via free agency.  And since then, the team has further slid into the #### from mismanagement, reluctance to spend on the free agent market, and terrible signings when the team does.

While there is nothing wrong with building around lower priced prospects, particularly if you're in a small market, the Pirates have let a lot of their promising talent either walk (Bonds), traded in terrible deals (Aramis Ramirez), or failed to make a space for them (Chris Shelton anyone?)  Plus, if you're receiving vast amounts of money from the revenue sharing system, there should be no reason why you shouldn't be able to offer some of those stars extensions or even making a bid for a modest free agent. 

But no, the Pirates have had one of the lowest payrolls in baseball for the years now and have largely shied away from pursuing free agents.  And as a result, the team is largely a loser, despite having some nice young talent in Zack Duke and company and in playing in one of the most beautiful ballparks in all of baseball.

Mark Cuban wouldn't allow the Pirates to continue in their current state of mediocrity.

First of all, Cuban would be a refreshing change around Pittsburgh, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and character to the largely boring Pirates.  Can you imagine seeing Cuban charge the mound in bench clearing brawls, or arguing with umpires over a bad call and getting himself tossed in the process.  That would be hilarious and would bring the fans back into the game just to see what Cuban would do. 

Plus, Cuban would bring a new drive to win with the Pirates, pouring not only the revenue sharing and profits that the owners have largely been placing back into their pockets, but millions out of his own pocket just to see the Pirates compete with the Cubs and the Astros and the Cardinals in that division.  Free agents wouldn’t shy away from Cuban, who has made pushes to sign free agents and top players for the Dallas Mavericks, turning them into one of the NBA's top franchises.

The Pirates would also lock up their developing talent long term and would play it smart in terms of trades of finances.  With a few exceptions, Cuban has done a good job as a whole of not only keeping the Mavericks competitive, but payroll flexible as well.

Fans would trickle back to the ballpark, re-engerized by their teams new ability to stay competitve in a difficult division and the Pirates would also gain new fans outside of the area as their exposure rises with more wins, new stars, and new success.

Will it happen?

Who knows?

It depends largely on McClatchy, who makes at least $15 million off of the Pirates each year and is not likely to give up that revenue stream.  And though Cuban would give a pretty penny for the team, McClatchy would lose that status that comes from being an owner of a professional team.

In which case, it likely means more losses, more depressing seasons at the bottom of the standings, and more and more lamenting about the Pirates becoming the National League version of the Kansas City Royals.

My message to fans?

Bombard the Pirates front office with letters, emails, rocks, threats of physical violence, and most importantly, threats of cancelling your season tickets.

Let the management know you want a change and will not continue to subsidize a loser.

Tell them you want a new sheriff in town.

I'm sure they have Mark on speed dial.

If I didn't response to Sheff's allegations like I did to Barry's, I'd be a total hypocrite. Anyhow, this is going to be a quick column. Parts of the Article are italicized, my responses aren't.

"Game of Shadows," which centers on Bonds' allegedly extensive drug regimen -- steroids, human growth hormone, insulin and more -- also undercuts Sheffield's claims that he took designer steroids unwittingly. The book says BALCO's performance-enhancing drugs were used by several athletes, including track stars Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery, NFL players such as Bill Romanowski, and sluggers including Bonds, Sheffield and Giambi.

Again, no surprise here with the exception of Jones. I was surprised when her name came up.

Sheffield has admitted that he used a cream two years ago but said he did not know it contained illegal steroids. The authors, however, say Bonds' trainer, Greg Anderson, put Sheffield on injectable testosterone and a human growth hormone in 2002, and later sold him designer steroids known as the "cream" and the "clear." Sheffield adopted Bonds' heavy training program when he visited the San Francisco star after the 2001 season and lived in his home in Hillsborough, Calif., for two months, according to the book. Though the two had a personal falling out, Sheffield wanted to maintain a relationship with Anderson so he could keep getting the drugs, the authors wrote. On Wednesday in Tampa, Sheffield denied using any drugs mentioned in the book. "What can I do? I'm not going to defend myself my whole life," he said. "It doesn't matter to me. I don't have anything to say. No need to. It is what it is."

The fact that Sheff roided up isn't anything new. The fact that he may have done it intentionally is a different matter. We're all willing to grant a pass to athletes that are either duped or are generally sorry, a la Matt Lawton and Jason Giambi. Sheff got the benefit of the doubt. He obtained a cream from a trainer to help him heal, and it turned out to be roids. Okay, end of stroy. If he did so intentionally, then yes, Sheff should be investigated.

Taking Steroids is illegal in society. If you're caught with it in a sport, you should not only be suspended, you should face JAIL time. Yes people, jail time. Try to get some steroids in your possession, see what happens to you. As for the suspension, who cares if it is wasn't illegal before 2005? You were #### with the integrity of the game! You were cheating, much as ####lord Perry was with his spitball that made all of the voters chuckle when they put his cheating #### in! Am I a investigation on everyone suspected. Yes. Will it happen? No.

Baseball ####ked up royally when they didn't start investigating the Steroid Era. When the Home Runs started to rise and sluggers started to beef up and looking like Pro Wrestlers, Baseball should have launched their Tazmanian Devil investigator, John Dowd, to look into things. He would have gotten to the root of the problem and would have come up with something so damning that the players association would have been shaking in their boots.

As for why Sheffield isn't getting anywhere near the pub that Bonds has gotten, it's because he isn't threatening any historic records that have been standing for ages. Hence the public outcry over Bonds. Another thing about Sheff is that he didn't deliberately go overboard on the stuff. I remember seeing a young Sheffield playing for the Diablos in the minors and he was a stocky guy back then (this should give away my location if anyone is wondering.) His bodily transformation was small, as he did seem to be a little more bulky up on top.  Still, his transformation, while small, wasn't as dramatic as Bonds', who seemed to turn into Lou Farigno in front of our eyes.  Nor has Sheff had as many telling health issues as Bonds has had.  Bottom line is this:  Sheffield was smarter.  Isn't it incredible that Pete Rose, who played his heart and soul out on the field, is banned from baseball for placing a fe