Barry Bonds is now 3 home-runs away from breaking one of if not the most prestigious records in all of sports. It will likely happen in a 7-game home stretch in San Francisco after the Giants' next 3 games in (of all places) Milwaukee, meaning not only Bud Selig has to decide how he will handle it. Anyone who can remotely consider themselves a baseball fan will have to take a stance on "the Bonds Issue", and it seems (as it has for some time) that the public reaction everywhere but in SF will be overwhelmingly negative. People will take any chance they get to spit on his name in casual conversation. I, for one, find this entirely unacceptable.

Barry Bonds has become the poster boy for the biggest, darkest, most humiliating scandal in sports history. As a result, to any fan he is responsible for the health and ethical problems in the game today; to any parent, for the injury or death of their teen-ager who used steroids; and to any sport-loving child, for all the evil that exists in the world. And he doesn't deserve it.

Now let's not kid ourselves. If the charge is using some kind of performance enhancer, Bonds is guilty. But what so many people refuse to acknowledge is that for a long period in baseball’s history, steroids were perfectly legal. It was not until October 22nd, 2004 when the Anabolic Steroid Control Act became law that the MLB effectively made the use of any performance enhancing drug illegal. There were a few specific drugs that were banned before that, but anything else you used before that date was fair game. That includes the steroid precursor androstenedione that Mark McGwire used in the 1998 home-run race against Sammy Sosa. I remember this was the reason that my mother cheered for Sammy: he claimed to be clean. McGwire admitted to using, which was entirely within the rules. (interesting side note: who’s really the bad guy from that pair, Big Mac or Corky?)

So before we even continue to Bonds, let’s summarize. For years, big-leaguers were doping completely legally. Already the history books have been tainted by the hesitation and salutary neglect of Major League Baseball. There’s a period of at least 2 decades where every pitch and swing must have an asterisk next to it, because anyone could have been using. It’s naïve to think that with an edge like this available to players and within the rules that many would turn it down. We’re not just talking about the record breakers anymore; we’re talking about every deep-bench reserve who is constantly at risk of getting bumped. If they can get this edge to secure their job, is there any reason to say no?

As for Bonds, he is just one of many. Has he doped since performance enhancers were banned? Probably. Does that make his stats any less legitimate than those of any other player in the last 20 years? Absolutely not. Bonds isn’t Cal Ripken Jr., but he’s not TO, either. He’s easy to hate because he’s not the epitome of a team player, and that combined with the world-wide steroid scandal and his threatening the HR record has made him the most hated figure in sports. This is Baseball’s mistake coming back to haunt them. Bonds was among the stars that took the fall on Capitol Hill for the whole of the steroid issue. And now, when he is bringing the baseball world to its very own apocalypse, Major League Baseball is finally getting their’s.

So when number 756 goes into McCovey Cove this week or the next, it will indeed be a black day for baseball, but not because of Barry Bonds. It will be a testament to the grave error made by the executive if the league in turning a blind eye to such a critical problem.

At 7:30 I tuned in to ESPN to watch NFL Live and found not the double, but the triple whammy of disappointments.  Not only was NFL Live not on, so I couldn't get my daily fix of NFL news and commentary from my new favorite GM Floyd Reese, but what was on was a soccer game.  In Canadia.  The small consolation was that it was the US vs. Brazil, which is 'my' team and a team that I even know is notoriously good, but this was not enough to keep me watching.  Not even close.

That is, not until I tuned in half-way through when I got sick of NFL Head Coach not working.  Shortly after I started watching there was a stretch of reasonable intense play where Freddy Adu made some pretty ridiculous plays.  I wasn't enthralled, but I was intrigued.  And the same Daily Show/Colbert Report re-run set was on for the 5th time.

Anyway, I kept watching and soon noticed one of the things I remembered I hated about soccer: the flopping.  Every last player that I saw go down grimaced in agony after his shin was nicked by the other player's foot.  And, once he does this, the 'sheed argues indignantly with the ref about how he just fell on his own.  This is the worst part.  The other guy obviously was dealt an eqaul or greater amount of pain, but he'e not balling his eyes out.  They're all like freaking kids: no pain tolerance and dreadful liars.  It just doesn't help their attempt to market the game on toughness.

As I continue to think this for 15 minutes of boring game action, Brazil scores pretty quicklly to tie the game at 1.  Then the announcers fill me in on some critical news.  Apparently, this goal was important to the scoring of the tournament as a whole.  They also mention that at the pace this game is going (relatively fast, which was also news to me) soccer will soon be more popular than hockey in Canadia.  I almost laughed outloud before he said Canadia, because that would be true and hilarious, but then I just laughed because he was a ####.  This is pet peeve #2: over-hyping by the announcers.  As if the in-game crescendo when ever the ball moves within 100 feet (I mean, 30.48 meters) of the goal isn't bad enough, the propoganda about the game's increasing popularity is just frustrating.

Then came the most exciting moment of the game.  Freddy Adu took a throw in in Brazil's left corner and was double-teamed.  He then chipped the ball up to himself and juggeled it around the outside of the defender on his left while splitting th two of them and leaving them with broken ankles.  He proceeded to shoot and miss, but his move obviously brought the whole defense out of position and resulted in an easy put-back for his teammate.  This 7 seconds almost made the 45 minutes of watching worth it.  Every time that Adu touched the ball after this I leaned up a little, and every time he did something that made me think "damn".  Not necessarily a goal, but some move that was pretty cool.  Forget Beckham, Adu was the LeBron of this game.  I honestly thought that after seeing his whole performance.  And the creepy part is after the game I saw a guy for the US team who looked like Anderson Varejao.  I didn't get his name, but that's because he, just like Varejao would if basketball substitution rules were the same as soccer, was on the bench the whole game.  And after the game was over he kept hugging and dancing with Adu, who was clearly trying to celebrate with some of his more normal teammates.

 All in all, I was impressed with how satisfied I felt with the program.  Now, am I glad that it replaced NFL Live?  I don't know.  Maybe if it wasn't so long.  Why can't they use the first half-hour for NFL Live?  Nothing ever happens right at the beginning.  Also, I felt kind of stupid watching soccer in Canadia, especially with an announcer saying it would be more popular than hockey.  I wonder if he's still alive now...  But regardless, soccer?  Maybe not so boring after all.

Boston Celtics- C+

I'm tempted to say they had the worst draft of anyone, but that's really because they missed out on Durant, who they put in a lot of hard work to earn. However, I feel like they contradicted themselves with their moves. They needed to compensate for missing out on their elite prospect by lottery opnce again, or at least they think they do. So, their options are pick Yi and hope he is that elite player, which is possible, but very unlikely, or trade the pick and anyone but Pierce or Jefferson for that star. The Celtics know the influence held by Bill Simmons, so they stayed away from Yi, but their problem was that there weren't any stars who would even consider playing for Boston. KG said no, Marion said hell no. The only guy who wouldn't say no was the really nice guy who happens to be 31 and recovering from multiple ankle surgeries last year. Oh, and he really doesn't fit terribly well as another primary scorer. But regardless, the Celtics had to make a move, they just HAD to. Fine. A seriously ill-advised move, but it's done. So what do they do next? Get a high potential PG to replace their incumbent young starter who made great strides last year but was lost in the trade for their 'star'! What are they doing, rebuilding or reloading?! Make up your mind!

Atlanta Hawks- B-

We all know the story of the PG's that the Hawks have passed and how they weren't going to screw it up again. They had picks 3 and 11, and they opted for their top rated prospect at 3 and their small reach for a PG at 11. Sensible, right? Maybe, but not smart. Acie Law was a dynamic college basketball player who single handedly convinced me to pick his team to win in my bracket, but I don't think the ice water in his veins will help much when his team is down 25 points when the clock is running out, and I don't think his knuckle-ball jumper will cut it in the NBA. Also, he is a shoot first PG now on a team filled with scoring threats. They needed a distributor, and they screwed up royal in passing him. Horford is everything you want in a prototypical NBA PF. He's big, very strong, he's got face up and back-to-the-basket moves, he's a sound technical rebounder to go with his athleticism, and he plays hard, tough D. What he doesn't have is any of the extras. He's not more than adequate for his position in his passing, ball handling, perimeter shooting, or awareness. Overall, he is a very good player, but certainly not a special one. Mike Conley Jr. is a special player. His speed and quickness are almost unfair (his hesitation moves make me nauseous) and he is a exceptional passer. What makes him special is his freakish speed and his ability to score inside, which many people compare to Tony Parker. I do not find this comparison just. Conley is stronger and more physical than Parker, and though he can score like Parker, he can also muscle the ball up. His jumper is still under construction, but it will certainly be ready for NBA defenders to respect soon. On top of all of this, Conley is the pass-first PG the Hawks need. As far as I'm concerned, the Hawks passed up their PG for a forward again. A better one than usual, but still.

Philadelphia 76ers- B

They came away with some pieces worth at least an A-, but the should have had more. I already talked about Thaddeus Young being a 'young' version of Al Thorton, which was their first mistake. Their second was beleiving that Miami would actually take Jason Smith and ponying up to get him. Of course, this is the price they pay for continuing to employ Billy King. Now if they slipped his name in the fine print to be sent to Miami, this grade jumps to an A+.

Houston Rockets- D

They didn't need a point and they picked Aaron Brooks with Gabe Pruitt on the board.  That was quite wrong in more way than one, but I don't find Brooks that bad a pick that late in the first round if you need one (I'm sure Mike James is used to being traded by now, so he wouldn't mind another move, right?).  He's scary fast and has a great jumper with some clutch performances under his belt.  Let's say he ends up a sixth man in the Bobby Jackson mold; is that no worth a late first-rounder?  I think so, but again, Pruitt is better if they want a point.  I don't really care for Landry, but let's put it this way: if a millionaire gets the round mound of rebound that is Sir Charles, then that bum who you and your friends get to buy you beer from the gas station gets Carl Landry.  Also, Glen Davis was on the board.  He's a much rounder mound.

Miami Heat- C

The Heat get an F here if the don't abuse the incompetence of Billy King and extort some cash from the sixers for Jason Smith.  They ended up with the guy they wanted, Daequan Cook, which is why they still pull off a C.  He's got ability, but even as a role player for OSU he couldn't put any consistent performances together.  If he's lucky, he'll average 4 minutes in 30 contests.

 Phoenix Suns- C

Alando Tucker?!?!  At 29!?!?  What?!  How is he at all better than Marcus Williams here or McRoberts?!  Both of those guys are better fits for the Suns, seeing as Williams can shoot and McRoberts is much more than just an athlete.  You know who I'd rather have than Tucker?  D.J. Strawberry.  He's a better athlete, a great defender, and he can run the point.  As it happens, they got him 30 picks later.  Now, he shouldn't have fallen quite that far, but Tucker shouldn't have gone nearly as high.

Portland Trailblazers- A+++

The only two I'm not completely sold on being strong contributors from day one are Koponen, as I know very little about him, and Taurean Green, not from a lack of ability, but from a packed position on the roster (Jack, Rodriguez, and maybe Fernandez).  Oden fernandez were all great pick-ups, and you've even got to include Channing Frye to this group.  The Blazers now have a frontcourt rotation of Oden, Frye, Aldridge, and McRoberts, with the still confusing $5 million per year Joel Pryzbilla adding depth.  Seriously, this guy started all 43 games he played in and averaged just .5 less blocks than points.  And he didn't average 14.5 blocks.  Or 2.  ... He's bad.

Seattle Supersonics- A

Yes, yes.  My first 2 winners are the top 2 picks.  But Seattle wouldn't have received this grade if they had not indulged the Celtics in their pathetic attempt to make up for missing out on the guy  they tanked to get and the Soinics ended up with!!  How deliciously ironic.  They gave up an ailing, aging superstar for a hell of a wing-man for Durant and possibly Rashard Lewis.  Jeff Green is an all around great player who will eventually resent Durant for the spotlight he stole for his entire career.  Then, when he's 41, he'll try and make another ill-informed comeback and say he was always better the Durant anyway, and everyone will laugh at him.

Los Angeles Clippers- B

 I know I shouldn't be talking about the Sixers here, but they are the reason that the Clippers came away with a stud.  Philadelphia had the 12th pick with Al Thorton on the board and opted for a Al Thorton four years ago.  Thaddeus Young, assuming he pans out, will be a very comparable player to Thorton in 3-4 years.  Thorton is Thorton now.  I just don't get it.  But anyway, good for the Clippers!!  In addition to this, they got Jared Jordan, one of those heady little guiys from a small program where he dominated but probably won't amount to much in the Pro's.  I saw him play against NCSU this year in the NIT and he didn't impress.  My friend and I actually made a bet as to whether he would have more assists than Gavin Grant would have turnovers.  I went with Jordan, and I lost. 

Charlotte Bobcats- D+

 I  must admitt, when they picked Wright, I was overjoyed.  I was so happy that they hadn't picked Joakim Noah that I hardly noticed how bad a pick this was.  Wright is a potentially great player, and the Bobcats need a body in the post, but it's hard to call Wright such.  Of course, this doesn't matter because the Bobcats traded his wrights for Jason Richardson.  Which was even worse than the original pick.  Great, they got a pure 2 who can score, but not who will score.  By trading for Richardson, they basically said "we'll pay you $10 million a season, and you take 25 shots a game."  This could be a great move for the Bobcats if Richardson turns into the closest thing to MJ, which I'm sure is why he was acquired, but I don't fell this is very likely.  Later they picked Dudely, who is a slightly better looking version of Adam Morrison, which isn't saying much and isn't at all what they need.  The last pick was my favorite, Jermareo Davidson, but I don't understand how they pass on McRoberts here, considering the value.

Golden State Warriors- A

 The Warriors picked up two terrific Nellie-ballers in Brandon Wright and Marco Belinelli, as well as a defensive stud in Stephane Lasme.  Wright for Richardson was the trade they were dreaming of, as they not only got a freakishly long and athletic offensive player, but also eliminated the jam at the 2 position with Jackson and Ellis.  Oh, and they saved a few bucks.  Not a bad deal.  This young team got significantly better with contributors this year, and one hell of a star in a couple.  Well, that is as long as his short-tempered teammates don't rub off on him too much. 

Tonight will decide whether I stick with the Bobcats as my local team or completely ignore them for the -sigh- Warriors.  If they pick Joakim Noah at 8, which is seeming less and less possible as the trade talks continue, I will no longer support the franchise.  If not, then I will.  I love this team.  Not the uniforms, mind you, but the team.  I even love the players, which is saying something since half of them went to UNC.  Drafting someone like noah would truely break my heart.  I have yet to hear a bad word about him from the sporting media, but every euphemism I can think of has been used.  "Great energy", "hustle guy", "defensive minded".  Exactly.  Defensive minded because of the zero offensive game.  I would list his weaknesses on the offensive end, but that would be pointless.  Everything is a weakness.  Outside of offense, however, he has 2 and a half strengths as far a I can tell.

1. Height/speed ratio:  he can get up and down the floor for a guy who's 6-11.  He's not quick by any stretch of the imagination, but he can move.  This ability is becoming much more common nowadays, though.

2. Rebounding:  He has decent rebounding technique.  This should not be an advantage for someone of his stature, but the lack of well-practiced rebounding in the game now is disgusting.

2.5. Energy:  Great.  He hustles.  So do a ton of other  players!  Lots of guys a real team players who hate to lose, and as it happens, none of them are as embarassing to their teams as Noah has been!  Al Thorton, Josh McRoberts, Acie Law, Jared Dudley!!!  These guys are just as intense as Noah, AND they don't look like idiots, AND they have at least some tangible basketball ability!  The fact that this is all anyone says about him really shows how weak he is.

 ...

And yet, everyone who can be heard says he's a top 10 talent, and marketable, as well.  I just don't understand.