Red Sox fall to Yankees 4-3

These late season matchups between the Yankees and Red Sox usually are intense. Fights can break out at any time while trash talking becomes routine. Wednesday night the game favored the Yankees as A-Rod launched his 44th homerun off Josh Beckett in the 7th inning. The dismal hitting by Boston allowed Roger Clemens to record his 6th win. The Rocket didn't give them many good pitches to hit.

*Be sure to check out the news and updates about the Red Sox on http://www.bornintoit.com/.

The only bright spot for the Red Sox in the 4-3 loss was David Ortiz's solo homer (25) which came in the 6th off Clemens. New York has a bit of catching up to do in the East. Their rivals currently hold a 6-game lead over them. Give it to the final two weeks and the Yanks were probably be ahead or within a 1.5 of Boston. Most every season that's how it plays out. Tension will rise to a new high as both teams will fight for top position. I won't be surprised if Boston wins around 95-100 games the way they make runs in August and September.

Today Boston tries to avoid the sweep as Curt Schilling (8-5) pitching against Chien-Ming Wang (15-6). The lineup will again be without Manny Ramirez due to a strained muscle. The battle in the Bronx has gone the home team's way, but look for those gutsy Sox to rebound in Game 3. They want to at least salvage the series before heading back to Fenway Park to face the Orioles and BlueJays. The Sox fans still believe in 2007. A playoff birth is right around the corner!

Vick bit around the collars with dogfighting, PETA is pissed!

Usually I don't delve into football topics here. However, the Michael Vick situation is just too good not to examine. Well, the world now knows he signed a plea agreement for the charges brought against him. I heard about a support group outside the Richmond, VA courthouse, holding up encouraging signs and whatnot. My interest though lies with PETA and their reaction. This group of activists, among other related organizations won't take these animal cruelty cases laying down. Oh, they'll picket the streets for weeks....holding up pictures of mutilated dogs while relaying self-inflicted acts of punishment and planned attacks of violence on the NFL football star. Well....former NFL star quarterback.

These feminist groups out there who happen to be passionate pet lovers will also come down hard on Vick. Sure they might not come across as the malicious type, but once they gang up in a group they WILL BEAT THE HOLY CRAP OUT OF ANYONE THEY OPPOSE! Take it from Rodney King and JFK...Mike keep your ass in your limo. Otherwise you better be fast and have wall to wall security. Once they start biting below the belt and kneeing from any possible angle thats all she wrote.

I'm sure the fines mean nothing to Vick. He's got to contest with the eventual sentence handed to him. It's ashamed to see sports stars throw their careers away. Every athlete has the potential for greatness until they go and committ such crimes. At least he's smart enough to come forth and admit his involvement with dogfighting. He may have gotten off better if he'd betted on games. Then again he may have ended sharing a cell with NBA referee Tim Donahey. It could have been a lot worse if a bunch of police dogs were let loose and ravaged the football star.

Dunn hits game-winning jack to prevail Reds over Braves 9-7

There hasn't been much for the Cincinnati Reds to cheer about this season. They are towards the bottom of the NL Central with a very dim chance at the postseason. Last night they pulled off a come from behind victory in extra innings to defeat the streaking Braves. Adam Dunn was the player of the game, crushing his 35th homerun in the 12th inning off Bob Wickman. It's a shame this club isn't in the thick of the wildcard race because they have a productive offensive lineup. Pitching is their issue this year.

The Reds were out hit 13-11 and withstood homeruns from Chipper Jones (25) and Mark Teixeira (10). Atlanta falls to 66-62 and are 6 games back in the East. Mike Goslig recorded his 3rd win, entering the game in the final frame to get the decision. Andruw Jones pumped out 3 hits while Chipper had 5 RBIs, doing most of the damage in the lineup. Bobby Cox may start to feel the pressure with the final month of regular play approaching. Atlanta has to make a run if they're to jump in front of the Mets. Philly will no doubt be fighting for that wildcard spot along with the Rockies, Brewers, Cardinals, Padres, and Dodgers.

One thing aiding the Braves is the hot-hitting Teixeira who they acquired at the trade deadline. He's on fire, hitting 5 homers in his last 5 games! His performance alone won't get the Braves into the playoffs, but he will be a major factor in key games. For the Reds since they didn't trade for enough pitching all they can do is finish out the season and look towards rebuilding in the off-season. As a long-time Griffey fan it's real disappointing not to see him have an opportunity to appear in the playoffs. I don't see him winning a championship in Cincy. Better luck to the veteran All-Star slugger next year.

Mets clubhouse attendant rats out steroid users

It was only a matter of time before someone in MLB spilled the beans again. Why not everyone involved in this baseball scandal reveal all of the hidden information? It's going to surface sooner or later anyway. This week a former Mets clubhouse attendant announced player names he distributed steroids to throughout his 10-year tenure with New York organization. He's agreed to testify in front of a grand jury and meet with MLB's steroid investigators. Maybe in the coming weeks MLB will shade more light on who these players are which were connected to this illegal activity.

The NBA ref gambling, Michael Vick's dog fighting, and now this incident springs up. I guess drugs and corruption will always find a place in sports...which is a real shame. There used to be a time when fans didn't have to hear about these disappointing stories and enjoy players' natural abilities who didn't cheat to win (or did a good job of getting away with it). If a crackdown hasn't been imposed on baseball clubhouses I don't see how MLB will ever cut down on drug use. Random smoke from blunts can even rise in the air around the locker room and it's no big deal!

Bud Selig hasn't reassured baseball fans integrity will be restored in the game and doesn't go out of way to take drastic measures to stop corruption. He's too busy sitting on plush recliners in luxury boxes and counting money. Damn it Selig! Get off your high horse and take affirmative action (start serving those suspensions and pay cuts) because the fans deserve better. They pay good money for tickets and ballpark merchandise to watch their favorite teams and players only to find out one guy everyone knows in the clubhouse is a drug pusher and several admired performers have over a dozen horse hormone pills stashed away in their locker.

This ex-Mets employee is facing major long-term charges. He's being fined $500,000 and could serve up to 25 years in prison. People will truly risk their life and good name for money. Just wait until the client names are rattled off on a list and the players get busted. It's going to be a tough pill to swallow (much like the horse pills and methamphetamines they've popped). Before the baseball world knows it bat boys and mascots will come forth, revealing the shocking accounts of how they assisted with syringe procedures to players and smuggled dime bags and unprescribed pain killers into the clubhouse. Yeah...more shame to the game is yet to come.

Johan Santana rips Texas a new one

The ball was rocking for Johan Santana Sunday night as the Twins defeated the Rangers 1-0 behind a pure gem. The star southpaw flirted with a new record as he fanned 17 batters! His stuff was blazing and fooled all the Texas hitters. He went on to record his 13th win of the season. Catcher Mike Redmond said his counterpart didn't shake him off even once in the game. Santana pitched 8 innings for a 2-hit shutout.

Ben Sheets was the last pitcher to pull off a similar strikeout performance with 18 in 2004 with the Brewers. I'm more entertained and drawn to high-run scoring contests, but it's nice once and and a while to see these magnificent pitching gems. With the win Minnesota hangs around in the playoff picture, moving to 62-61 on the year. They have a chance for the wild card in such a tight AL race. Right now Seattle has the lead in the top spot.

Minnesota will need their star pitcher to muster up more stellar performances if the club is to remain close in the race. I think the Yankees and M's will be the greatest opposition to overcome for that final spot. With Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau's steady bats in the lineup they have a good shot. A record breaking K showcase by Santana would also be a thrill to watch.

Yankees, Rivera get slapped around by Orioles

The Yankees can't ever be too sure of themselves these days. They once again are locked into a battle in the AL East race. Last night they came close, but their trusty closer Mariano Rivera didn't have some of his best stuff or good command. The Yankees managed to tie the game in the 9th with a three-run shot by first baseman Shelley Duncan then the game went into extra inning. Aubrey Huff smacked a 2-run homer off Rivera in the 10th inning. That wrapped up the victory for Baltimore.

New York was outhit 12-10. Alex Rodriguez did go 4-for-4 with a run scored, but the rest of the lineup produced very little. They've lost 2-of-3 from the Orioles to close the series. At current the Yanks trail Boston 5 games in the AL East. Capturing the wildcard won't be easy either as the Mariners, Tigers, Indians, and Twins fight for position. It will most likely come down to the final week of the season in determining the final playoff spot. The Yankees may have a better shot at the pennant...who really knows now?

P.S. Interested in the Yankees? Hear what the Yanks fan over at Bronx Banter has to say about last night's game, players, and the season.

M's wreaking havoc in AL West, Sexson's walkoff seals win

Don't count those gutsy Seattle Mariners out of the playoff race. They put together a good run in the second half, watching their overall record soar to 66-50. Last night they won in dramatic fashion with a walk-off homer by Richie Sexson in the 9th to prevail over the Twins 4-3. The club finds themselves in a tight wildcard race. It's been a tough season for Sexson, who's been booed by Seattle fans all year for his lackluster performances. Yet he went 2-for-4 Monday night with 3 RBIs and a big-time game-winning solo homer.

Neither Johan Santana or Felix Hernandez got the decision in the game. They each pitched for at least 6 innings and yield no more than 3 runs. Joe Mauer was thrown out at third in the 7th trying to stretch a double into a triple. That out helped save the game for Seattle. Their 8 total hits stood up in a pitcher's duel until late innings. After the series at home with Minnesota the M's will see the WhiteSox again for a three-game set then go on the road to face the Twins.

This team has it's work cut for the final stretch of the season. Right now they're 3 games behind the Angels in the division. They can catch them with the enough persistence and streaky play. Felix Hernandez, Jose Guillen, and Richie Sexson will be key performers during crunch time. Their veteran guys on the roster should give them a boost and motivate the rest of the game. Come on M's, push for that playoff spot!

Way too much celebrating for new homerun champ

Already a day after Barry Bonds broke Hank Aaron's homerun record the hip-hip and hoorays continue, well at least in San Francisco for the most part. Of course the media drew all attention again on the veteran star outfielder as he hit career homer no. 757 like this came as some surprise. There is more than one reason why NL pitcher walked Bonds so frequently again this season: they didn't want to give up a historic homerun, being noted as the guy Bonds tied or broke the record against, rather faced the less menacing batter behind him in the order or just couldn't stand the guy.

So the record is now history as if this event wasn't destined to happen in 2007. People wonder why Hank Aaron wasn't in attendance for this huge baseball gala. At his age does it really matter whether or not he was at the game? He's retired...let the old Hall of Famer be and not bother him. I'm sure he's disappointed, but if he's upset he'll get over it. Long after he passes away there will be another baseball Great who will eventually shatter Bonds' mark. (I can't wait until the day!) At least Bonds conducted himself with a degree of class or didn't seem to 'shove' his feat in anyone's face (then again I didn't see the whole on-field celebration footage, he may very well could have).

I think baseball fans (at least 60%) aren't happy about Bonds achieving the new record. Some don't respect him enough to root for him and others think he can do no wrong. Personally, as I've mentioned here before I don't care for the guy...never have. Ken Griffey Jr., Ryne Sandberg, Randy Johnson, Frank Thomas and Cal Ripken Jr. those of some of the players I most admired in the 90's. Bonds definitely stands out from the pack and has accomplished an amazing feat those other guys never did. He claims the record now isn't tarnished, but we'll all have to wait the BALCO case is finally closed.

Pedro set for comeback with Mets, labors in rehab stints

Good news is presented in the near future for the New York Mets. With a quality brand of star players on the roster they expect to welcome back one more dearly missed performer. Pedro Martinez is pitching in a rehab stint this week and is expected to rejoin the team soon. Right in the middle of the playoff race the Mets gets so lucky. The 35-year-old pitcher had his rotator cuff repaired in October. He's been determined to make a return all season after sitting all of 2006.

His spot in the rotation if he's healthy enough to pitch by September will make the Mets a formidable contender, giving them another sharp veteran right-hander. They're already a tough team to beat now just wait until Pedro gets back! I don't envy any NL teams in the East like the Braves. It's going to another tight race for the NL wildcard again. I don't see Atlanta winning the pennant for the second straight year. Their addition of Mark Teixeira will help, but won't put them over the edge.

Martinez will make a rehab start on Wednesday and the franchise will see how things go. The 3-time Cy Young winner isn't going to give up hope on his late season emergence. The Mets feel that whatever they can get out of him on the mound will be beneficial. I'd like to see appear in the playoffs, rather it would be okay by me (since I'm a Cubs fan) if was unable to start any games in a possible Cubs vs. Mets NL championship series. Until then we'll see what happens.

Gagne expected to give Red Sox boost in bullpen

After watching his teammate, Mark Teixeira find a new home in Atlanta then crack a 3-run homer last night to lead the Braves to victory, former Ranger Eric Gagne is looking toward good things with his new team in Boston. There is always that tight competitive nature between the Bo Sox and Yankees, especially now waning into the final 2 months of the regular season. The veteran closer makes a good fit in Boston as his talent was being wasted with the Rangers. They have little chance of clinching the wild card.

The Red Sox rotation now has a complimentary reliever to be added to the list of players like Josh Beckett, Curt Schilling, Tim Wakefield, and Dice K. It was a smart move by Gagne to waive his no-trade clause and get the heck out of dodge. Plus Jonathan Papelbon could see more action from middle relief and a valuable setup man for the closer. The AL East leaders have won 7 of their last 10 games and currently hold a 7-game lead over the Yankees.

Much like Mark Teixeira the notable hurler known for his saves record while a Dodger finds himself in a position to find a pennant and make a run in the postseason. The offense looks better on paper for the Red Sox and by the numbers is more productive than the Braves' lineup. Everyone in the race in both leagues wants an edge and Eric Gagne can be the x-factor for Boston. I expect them to finish first in the AL East. Their real competition will be the Angels, Tigers, and Indians.

Gwynn, Ripken make impression as new Hall inductees

Congratulations to now Hall of Famers, Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. These two class acts were bound for the Hall. They left their mark on the game, playing with grace and intelligence. Many baseball Greats were on hand in Cooperstown this week to be apart of the ceremony. Such names as Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, Bruce Sutter, Dave Winfield, Fergie Jenkins, and many others. The Orioles prime time third baseman was honored and noted for his 3,000 hits and most consecutive games played record.

Former Padres All-Star, Tony Gwynn talked about his relationships with Ozzie Smith and Ted Williams. He claimed whenever he made the All-Star team he wanted his locker to be next to the Wizard's because the shortstop always like to have fun and laugh. Gwynn felt it was best not to take records or special baseball events too seriously and just concentrate on playing smart baseball. Ted Williams taught the younger Gwynn the art of hitting in the clutch or for a high average.

During one memorable chat when the Padres Great met Williams he asked him where his bat was and then proceeded to gnaw on it as a joke. Both stars, Gwynn for the NL and Ripken from the AL are deserving players whose names and jerseys belong in the Halls of Cooperstown. The next cast for 2008 may not be so promising as critics and fans are so sure guys like Mark McGwire and Andre Dawson will receive enough votes. One thing is for certain now, the Hall has added two memorable Greats to the list!

Teixeira on the trading block, who's next?

The Texas Rangers are unhappy with their performance this season. Who could blame them. They've got a power-driven lineup yet a decent starting rotation. One name which has swirled around in trade rumors is Mark Teixeira. The star third baseman is having an off-year compared to his previous 2 seasons with the organization. Texas is searching for solutions to salvage somewhat of a disappointing spring and summer. Sammy Sosa's name had been tossed around.

After launching his 600th career homerun against his former team, Sosa hasn't received much attention. Trading power and star value for better pitching seemed to be the route Texas is pursuing. At 46-56 the Rangers are dead last in the AL West trailing their division rivals by 13 games. They actually still have a chance to make a late run and at least grab the wild card. On the other hand that's easier said than done.

Teixeira is expected to head to the East Coast, preferably somewhere such as Atlanta. Personally I'd rather see him stay on the West coast since I'm a Cubs fan. He though could really have an impact on a team like the Giants, who have struggled most of the year. I don't think that deal will happen. I'd be happy if the switch-hitting slugger landed in Seattle! You never know with these crazy trade talks right before the deadline.

NBA referee Tim Donahey's ultimate career mistake

Why can't sports professionals (and those who claim to be) just enjoy playing, refereeing, and coaching the game? It's evident the NBA has it's share of problems these days with immoral decision making by players, owners, and now at the latest...refs. NBA ref Tim Donahey had to jump into the gambling pool. Who says refs don't fix games anymore? The dark days of the NBA continue as guys like this want to screw up the fun and excitement for everyone.

I don't know the whole story on this Donahey character, but what bothers me is that guys like him are slowly deteriorating the game of basketball because of their greed. Some of the NBA finest players are also included in this category. It's funny how the schemers and gamblers are so shocked when they get caught. They look all sad and worried. Taking such high risks with your career is ignorant especially if it's a sports career. What straight man on earth wouldn't enjoy having such a job position?

David Stern is supposed to be handling this matter with swift and fair penalties. It's time for him to assert more authority and be his foot down on corruption and trouble making before he becomes too short to be seen standing with a microphone at a podium (At press conferences he may even get lost in the shuffle). Too many active members in the league are getting away with too much crap. The illegal activities need to be contained to a certain extent.

Otherwise players and coaches will continue to be at each other's throats, firearms will be brought to stadiums, fights will occur on and off the court, and secret drug distribution networks will still flourish. Refs such as Tim Donahey ought to be ashamed of themselves and take pride in their work. Besides they may want to keep fans on their good side especially after they made a bunch of blind-sided lame ass calls to screw a team out of a close game. Yeah, Donahey you better watch your back!

It's down to 2 dingers: Bonds eyes tying Aaron's record

Usually I wouldn't waste time delving back into the Barry Bonds homerun pursuit. From a historical perspective, however it's worth discussing. See both sluggers have shown how generations have changed drastically. When Hammering Hank set the old record by passing Babe Ruth two eager fans rushed the field and rounded the bases only to be chased down and escorted off the field. Avid fans today will flock on the field when Barry hits that historic mark only they will be searching his back pockets for supplements and syringes.

Of course Barry Bonds has to get close to this major, highly anticipated and discussed record against my favorite team the Chicago Cubs. Why can't he do this against the Rockies, Brewers, or the D-backs? It doesn't effect them as much. Right when the Cubs are hot the Giants had to come in to town with the souped up, bald, big-headed Bonds. Really I don't have anything against the future Hall of Famer....he just seems to rub opposing fans the wrong way sometimes, okay all the time.

Hank Aaron looks to live to see the day his homerun record will be shattered. I don't thinks he really cares that much anymore after all the attention it's got. The fact that he's still alive and well, able to walk is his main concern (God knows the man isn't getting any younger). Then again the day Barry launches that magical homerun ball Hank will watching in the stands, pretends to be smiling and then utter, "That rotten SOB!"

Griffey Jr. jumps ahead of Frank Robinson on homerun list

With career homer no. 587 last night Ken Griffey Jr. moved into 6th place passing Frank Robinson on the all-time homerun list. Going 4-for-4 with an RBI to help the Reds defeat Atlanta 10-3. Griffey hit his 24th homerun of the season. He's only 15 homers behind Sammy Sosa for his career. What a sensational year the All-Star centerfielder is having! The kid is back!

Before the end of the season he will have over 600 homeruns. There is no doubt in my mind that the superstar slugger will eventually be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Everyone wonders what if for all those years he was injured...well he's still putting up impressive totals despite the number of games he's played. He's just in his mid-30s and looks to have several more seasons left in him.

I'm glad to see extra attention being placed on Griffey instead of all on Bonds because credit and recognition should be given where it's due. The Reds may stink this year, but it's not because of him. Ken is way on his way to more milestones in his career.

Rickey Henderson returns to MLB as Mets 1B coach

Former Major Leaguer Rickey Henderson is making a return to the Big Leagues...not as an active player, but as the Mets first base coach. This definitely a plus for the New York club loaded with star power and clutch hitters. The 48-year-old holds the Major League record for stolen bases (1406) and will be an excellent baseball adviser to the young talent on the team. His expertise knowledge on the base paths will pay dividends. I can't believe other teams didn't pick him up sooner as either an assistant coach or hitting coach.

It's for certain the Mets can learn patience from the wise star veteran of the past as he accumulated 2200 walks in his career. Don't forget about his ability to hit as well. He had over 120 hits in 13 seasons. That pretty darn good in any era of the game! A few years ago Henderson try to make a comeback with the Dodgers, working through the minor league system in hopes of gaining a spot on the roster. It was cut short as conditioning, health, and age played a big part in his departure.

I know if Rickey had it his way he'd suit up to play, starting sometimes and coming off the bench to fuel rallies late in games. If this happened the Mets would have two active guys available in their mid-to-late 40's. The lineup, however which consists of such names as Shawn Green, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, and David Wright will gain valuable insight on hitting and playing smart baseball with Henderson around. If the Mets get hot look out Atlanta because they might grab the division for their second straight year.

The ESPYs: A night of boasting with celebs getting in their 2-cents worth

The annual ESPYs awards are due up this month and as usual the hype of this show is nonstop airing on ESPN. Yeah, Lebron James will be there so will Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning, Charles Barkley, Magic Johnson, and a cast of other big name stars. I have to wonder how talk show hosts like Jimmy Kimmel however need to be presence. Sure he's a sports fan (nothing wrong with that), but is it necessary to have him start the show again? I'd personally rather see Michael Jordan or a baseball legend host.

For the most part this show just rags on famous sports players by celebrities who are jealous of them or try to make a name for themselves on national television. Such entertainment can't be complete without doing a few dress-up skits where singled-out athletes are poked fun of without going so far as getting slapped with a lawsuit. I can only imagine Barry Bonds showing up to this live event, decked out in a lavish three-piece suit and as he walks to the stage a bag of white substance falls out of his suit's pocket then a few moments later a syringe.

What a way to kill a show in an instance. Trust me after that there will be a loss for words and no one will be lining to shake the San Francisco's slugger hand. Yet fun will be had by all during the ESPYs and the fans will vote for their favorites. One thing will help the show: if any of the Dominican baseball players win an award they need to keep short and sweet. Otherwise the audience won't know what they hell they're talking about. Best luck to the top athletes in all sports!

Even an old, rich grouch deserves a special day

Well, happy 4th of July everyone. It's a time to celebrate independence for Americans while for others it's a special day to enjoy. Happy Birthday George Steinbreiner! Just another typical day for the Yankees owner except he may splurge a extra bit more other than the usual billions he spends on team payroll. Don't tell me A-Rod or Derek Jeter didn't buy 'Ole George (bag of bones) a lavish gift, perhaps a yacht, private jet, or who knows his own sleazy strip club!

Oh, that's right George probably already holds ownership in those commodities. While others will be setting off fireworks and grilling out today the baseball-minded senior citizen will be blowing up rows of candles on a huge birthday cake which reads, "You might be about to kick the bucket, but you're still rich as hell."

Joe Torre will not forget to express well wishes and greetings (while nonchalantly thanking the Yanks owner for not firing his ass during the Yankees shameful losing drought earlier this season). I guess for those trying to work their way up the ladder in the Yankees organization this is the best day to be 'kissing some ass' (wrinkling, sagging ass I might add). The interns at Yankee Stadium can have bright futures if they play their cards right. Old George don't spend too much on hookers...I mean players and enjoy your special day.

MLB 2007: The year of the no-hitter?

Already baseball fans have witnessed at least 1 no-hitter this season. The Tigers' Justin Verlander has already achieved this feat a few weeks ago. The 20-something rising star pitcher has a bright future in Detroit. In other close instances, Curt Schilling came within 1 out of tossing a no-hitter while Minnesota's Johan Santana went 7 innings in one start before giving up a base hit.

It's becoming more of a rarity for pitchers to throw perfect games and no-hitters. They're got so much more pressure and attention on them rather than sluggers shooting for the hit cycle or 3 homers in a game. I think no-hitters are tougher to achieve than teams who go on 15-20 game win streaks because only one player (for the most part) has control of the turn of the events in a game.

One star pitcher in particular that could very well be off a near perfect performance is Ben Sheets. He can be so dominating in starts that opponents don't have much a chance at the plate. The same goes for Carlos Zambrano, Dontrelle Willis, and Roy Halladay. These guys are more than capable of shutouts and put goose eggs across the scoreboard. I anticipate another no-hitter (possibly perfect game) before the season ends. It could turn out to be an unlikely lesser known player too.

Homerun chases and record breakers are always welcomed in MLB

With the recent publicity and attention placed on Sammy Sosa's career mark of 600 homeruns MLB doesn't seem to care much about making good on promises to carry out investigations. Every fan of the game knows baseball is popular than ever this time of year and MLB is making a killing off tickets, souvenirs at ballparks, and food vendors. The sports analysts and guru on TV keep referring to Barry Bonds' pursuit of Hank Aaron's homerun record. Yeah, we all know how close he is and with a flick of the wrist a long ball can be golfed into the upper deck.

The problem remains that superstars like Bonds and Sosa continue to ride the wave of high prestige and notority, but both have unanswered questions lying in their pasts. I used to be a big Sosa fan and I still kind of like the guy in a way, but he among others (McGwire, Giambi, etc.) need to set the record straight and be open with the public and media. Fans will truly respect him in the long after his career is over. For example, the reception Ken Griffey Jr. received when returning to Seattle was amazing. He's definitely earned the fans' respect. All great Major Leaguers need to do the same.