Jim Thome: A Walk-off For The Record Books

What a way for a player to hit his 500th career home-run! Jim Thome became the 23rd player yesterday to hit 500 career home-runs and he did it in dramatic fashion: a walk-off job in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the White Sox a 9-7 victory over the Angels. Congratulations, Jim!

When I heard about the home-run last night I started thinking about those epic battles between the Yankees and the Cleveland Indians a decade ago when the Indians were such tough opponents. Thome was on those teams, and whenever he came up to bat I cringed. He'd stand in the batter's box holding his bat straight up and down with his left hand, his "at-bat" face firmly set, looking as if he was communicating telepathically to the pitcher, saying, I've got your number, pal. He would then go into his stance and, more often then not, do some serious damage to a pitch delivered by a Yankee hurler. He'd run around the bases on those piano legs of his and I would, once again, be tempted to throw the remote across the room.

Thome is still a dangerous hitter but, from all accounts, a great big sweetheart as well. I wasn't surprised to hear that there will be no debate or long, drawn out negotiation between him and the fan who caught the home-run ball. The fan will get season tickets (which he'll actually donate to Thome's charity) and Thome will get his ball. Nice stuff.

In other news: After a bad time at work last night there was no way I was going to turn on the Yankees-Red Sox game. But I heard about the heroics of Captain Clutch and the Yankee win. The war is finally over. Hooray. Will there be a seven day one next month? We'll see.

The Lady

[Photo: Jerry Lai/AP]

Bonds Might Sue Schilling?

An article in today's New York Daily News says that Barry Bonds has put together a new legal team to explore the possibility of defamation suits against several individuals including Curt "I Care So Much" Schilling. John Burris, one of the lawyers, said, "There's no guarantee any action will be taken. The most important thing to communicate is that Barry's silence up until now is not an admission of anything."

Since when are lawyers PR reps? I mean, that's all this whole thing is, after all. If Bonds really felt that the things being said about him were lies, he'd have his lawyers go after the authors of the book, Game of Shadows, which many people believe is based on cold hard facts. But no, instead he has his lawyers tell everyone that he's thinking of suing someone who loves to hear himself talk. Nice going, Barry.

The Lady

A-Rod To The (Peter) Max

Before last night's game against the Orioles, the Yankees held a ceremony to celebrate A-Rod's 500th career home run. While I watched it I thought, Either the Yankees really want A-Rod to stay or they can't wait for him to opt out.

When I saw one of the gifts, three "works of art" from Peter Max, I began to think it was the latter. I know Peter Max is known as a pop artist, but how cheesy can you get? He gave Alex the two paintings shown above, plus some kind of "sculpture" made of bats, which tumbled to the ground when the cover was lifted from it. Created with the same silly pastel colors, it looked just as cheesy as the paintings.

I tried to gauge A-Rod's reaction to the artwork and my guess is that he didn't like it very much. However, knowing that it carries the potential of a small fortune I'm sure he'll have no problem getting used to it.

The Lady

Aaron & Selig on Bonds's 756th

When I woke up this morning to the news that Barry Bonds had hit his 756th home run, my reaction was, "It's finally over." This travesty can finally be put behind us and we can look to the future, a future many people think will include lots of cheers for Alex Rodriguez who should, if he stays healthy, break Bonds's record.

I saw that the post-home run ceremonies included a pre-recorded message from Hank Aaron, congratulating Bonds. Well, that's just the same as him actually being there, in my opinion. I had a lot of respect for Aaron until I heard about that video. He was sticking to his principles. Good for him! But why did he feel he had to make a video? Sure, it was classy, but it waters down his stance somewhat. He looks a bit like a waffler.

Selig was at it again last night. He continues trying to distance himself from the entire steroid issue, desperately wanting people to believe he was an innocent bystander. His latest comments included these words: "While the issues which have swirled around this record will continue to work themselves toward resolution, today is a day for congratulations on a truly remarkable achievement." Enough already, Bud!

Again, I'm glad this is finally over. I'll be very happy if I hear or see nothing else about Barry Bonds breaking the all-time home run record.

I have a feeling my happiness will be hard to come by.

The Lady

[Photo: Eric Risberg/AP]

Mike Myers DFA?

Reports are circulating that Yankees lefty specialist Mike Myers will be designated for assignment today. Supposedly he'll be replaced by veteran right-hander Jim Brower, who will be recalled from AAA Scranton.

Myers is 3-0 with a 2.66 ERA this season, but left-handed batters are hitting .312 against him. I'm not sure why right-handed Brower would be the solution to this problem. I would think they'd plug lefty Ron Villone into that spot. Oh, well. It remains to be seen whether or not Myers actually is released today.

In other news: Congratulations Tommy Glavine! Your bullpen didn't let you down this time and you became (likely) the last pitcher to get to 300 wins. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.

The Lady

A Saturday Ladybug Special: A-Rod's 500th

Since July 25th I've been glued to my TV, waiting and hoping with the rest of Yankees Universe. I've raced through the streets like a madwoman, trying to get home in time; I've run around my apartment like it was on fire, trying to get things done in time; and, I've sat on the job praying that he wouldn't hit it while I was trying to raise money for the arts. Today was no different: I'd been running errands all morning and arrived home just before game time. As soon as I slipped out of my shoes I realized I'd forgotten to pick something up at the store down the street. The top of the first inning was about to begin. Dare I try it?

I took the dare. I had too. Otherwise I'd stretch out across my bed, get too comfortable and pay for it later. After I'd paid for my purchases I ran up the block, into the building, and into my apartment just before Derek Jeter's base hit. Bobby Abreu followed with a walk and that set the stage for A-Rod.

He swung at the at the first pitch he saw from Kyle Davies, but didn't know if it was fair or foul. He watched for a few seconds, and when he saw that it was clearly headed into the field level seats in left field, he took his 500th home run trot. Finally!

It would have been more fun to watch if there was no chance of it curving foul, if it was a no-doubter the moment it left A-Rod's bat. But heck, 500 is 500. People will still pay the $129.95 for the commemorative 500 home run bat I just saw advertised. Yep, he hits number 500, then, before the game's even over, YES airs a commercial for a commemorative Alex Rodriguez 500 home run bat. *sigh* (The Yankees aren't the ones selling the bat; it's some other company.)

Anyway, congratulations Alex Rodriguez. Here's hoping you stay healthy and happy for the next ten years. If you do, you'll be the true and rightful all-time home run leader. The Lady

[Photo: Frank Franklin II/AP]

Jose Canseco: Telling Red Sox Fans What They Want To Hear

Jose Canseco knows just the right buttons to push in just the right places. His recent comments on a Boston radio station are a prime example. By now, everyone has heard what he told WEEI: that he had "other stuff" on A-Rod. When prompted for details, he said "wait and see."

Canseco is just plain jealous of A-Rod. However, the fact that Canseco made these comments on WEEI is significant, for three reasons: 1) He knows about the Sox-Yankees rivalry; 2) He knows Red Sox fans still have not gotten over the fact that their team missed out on acquiring A-Rod; and 3) He knows the listening audience is comprised mainly of Red Sox fans.

If A-Rod were on any other team, Canseco would not have made those comments to WEEI. My guess is that Canseco has absolutely nothing on Alex Rodriguez. He's probably not even writing a book. Although, now that he's created such a stir, some publisher probably will offer him a book deal. *sigh*

The Lady

Summer Saturday Ladybugs #5

It's Hall Of Fame Induction Weekend and I'm worried about Tony Gwynn. Everytime I see pictures of him I can't help but think of Kirby Puckett, who essentially ate himself to an early death at age 44. I hope someone who's associated with Gwynn has thought the same thing and has spoken with Gwynn. It would be a shame if Mr Padre ended up the same way.

The Big Unit, Randy Johnson, is having season-ending back surgery. How do the D-Backs feel right about now? My guess is they feel the same way the Yankees feel right now about Johnny Damon: like they got sold a bill of goods.

So Barry Bonds called Bob Costas a midget this week. Now he says his issue is with Costas's reporting, not his height. Costas claims not to be offended. On Thursday he said: "As anyone can plainly see, I'm 5-6½ and a strapping 150, and unlike some people, I came by all of it naturally." Zing!

Bonds had things to say about A-Rod this week, as well. When asked how good a player Alex Rodriguez is, Bonds said, "Is he as good as me? Hell, no. He's better than me now because he's younger than me. But, hell no." Wow. I didn't know 'roids affected the mind, too.

On a personal note, I'm celebrating this weekend because my other blog, The Glamorous Bee, turns a year old tomorrow! I'm giving away some cool skincare products to three lucky readers. (They're unisex, guys, so don't be afraid!) Pop on over for all the details!

Enjoy the weekend!

The Lady

One More Time: Bud Must Go

The SF Giants will be in Bud Selig's hometown of Milwaukee this weekend for a three-game series against the Brewers. As we all know, Barry Bonds now needs two home-runs to tie the all-time record and Selig still has not said whether he'll be in the ballpark when the record is broken.

I can't stand Bonds and I'm really upset that he's the one that's going to break this hallowed record. However, as I've said in the past, there's nothing anyone, not even Selig, can do about it. No one spoke up about steroids a decade ago and this is the price everyone has to pay.

If Selig hasn't made up his mind by now whether or not he'll be in the ballpark, Bonds might make it up for him if he hits homers 754 and 755 before the series ends. Not being in his hometown ballpark at that point would make Selig look like a foolish child. Bonds is well-rested going into this series. Looks like your weekend plans include a trip to Miller Park, Bud.

The Lady

[Illustration: Daniel Adell/SI]

Summer Saturday Ladybugs, #2

Congratulations, Craig Biggio, on getting your 3,000th Major League hit this week. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. How do I know you're nice? You have to be. You and I were born on the same date!



Kudos to you, as well, Frank Thomas, for hitting your 500th career home run. Still hitting home runs after all these years. Still arguing balls and strikes too, apparently. Way to go, getting yourself tossed in your final at-bat.

Aubrey Huff, I give you props. You hit for the cycle last night, becoming the third player in Orioles history to complete such a feat. The final hit: a single in the 7th inning, not a triple in the 8th or a home run in the 9th. Yep, baseball is a funny game.

Derek Jeter, you did that thing last night that you do so well, leaving your feet and throwing batter-runners out from deep in the hole at short, the Derek Jeter Jump Pass. I know you don't care what it's called, as long as your team wins, but if I hear one more person say Jeterian, I'll sccream.

And, finally:

My sympathies to you, Paul Lo Duca. First you had to undergo that embarrassing "vote Paul Lo Duca for the All-Star Game" campaign at Shea Stadium, which was so over-the-top that opposing players promised to vote for you when they came up to bat. Then, this week, you came under the gun again when you suggested that your Latin teammates knew enough English to do their part and meet with the media. Hey, what do you expect, Paul? Your life is more interesting than Carlos Delgado's. My suggestion: take a lesson from A-Rod, who, after many years has finally learned that the only thing to do is to just shut up and play.

Enjoy the weekend!

The Lady

Bud Must Go

MLB Commissioner Bud Selig still hasn't revealed if he'll be in the ballpark or not when Barry Bonds breaks the all-time home run record this season. Anyone who was born yesterday knows he doesn't want to go. But will he?

Everyone seems to have an opinion one way or the other. It's become such a hot topic that you can even bet on it. According to BetUS Sportsbook, the odds are +500 that he will go and -1000 that he will not go. I'm not about to use my hard-earned money to place any bets and I have no idea where Selig will be when Bonds breaks the record. I do know where he should be, however. He should be at the ballpark when Barry Bonds hits his 756 home run.

Selig not being in the ballpark would be like passing the buck. It would be like not accepting part of the blame for the steroids mess, and MLB should accept part of the blame. They were the ones who turned a deaf ear and covered their eyes back in 1998 when McGwire and Sosa were chasing baseball history. Now Selig is acting like MLB is totally innocent. He's acting as if there was a steroid policy in place long before this year, even long before '98. It's just wrong. It's time for Bud to step up to the plate and accept some responsibility. He needs to be at the ballpark.

The Lady

Aaron Saying A Lot Without Saying Much

Hank Aaron was interviewed on ESPN's Cold Pizza yesterday, and said he is very proud of the way he broke Babe Ruth's home run record. He's proud of the fact that he did it on a consistent basis, over a long period of time, never hitting more than 44 home runs in a single season. As for Barry Bonds breaking his record, he claimed he doesn't keep up with what the Giants slugger is trying to do.

Aaron told Dana Jacobson that, if and when Bonds breaks the record, he'll be on the golf course, or touring Europe with his wife. Though he does think Bonds should be given the benefit of the doubt until any proof of steroid use is uncovered, it's very obvious to anyone that was born yesterday that, were it not for this cloud of suspicion over him, Hank Aaron would be cheering just as much (if not more) than anyone for Barry Bonds to break the all-time home run record.

I really feel for Aaron, having to watch all of this unfold. This is a man who came from the segregated south and left home while still a teenager to play in the Negro Leagues. His consistent play in the Majors was met with hate mail and death threats, not because he was an arrogant son-of-a-bitch like Bonds, but because he was a black man trying to make a living playing baseball.

I remember seeing a photograph of a teenaged Aaron, taken shortly after he left home to join the Negro Leagues. In it he looks wide-eyed and a bit overwhelmed. I'm sure the boy in that picture simply wanted to make enough money to be able to sit down in a retaurant and order pork chops. Years later he smiled when he said that pork chops were the only things he could think of to order at that age!

You can watch the complete interview here.

The Lady

Tom Glavine: One Down, Nine To Go

Last night the marathon that is the Major League Baseball season finally began. Yaaaaaaaayyy! In the Mets 6-1 victory over the Cardinals, Tom Glavine was Tom Terrific, giving up only 1 run on 6 hits in 6 innings. He also struck out 2 and gave up 1 walk, earning his 291st career win.

Of all the milestones expected to be reached this season, Glavine's 300th win is the one I'm really looking forward to seeing. I remember when Glavine signed with the Mets, shortly before the 2003 season. No one gave him even the slightest chance of getting anywhere near 300 wins. There were many days when it seemed as if all the naysayers were right. Poor outings sparked rumors of retirement and thoughts that he was unhappy in New York and wanted to return to Atlanta. Then there were things like the car accident in which he lost his two front teeth, and the blood clot (which turned out to be not as serious as was first thought). Up until the end of last season, I was still thinking he'd never get to 300 wins. Then all of a sudden, without fanfare, we got the news that he only needed 10 more wins to get there!

Without fanfare. That seems to be the way Glavine has operated his entire career. I can think of at least one "juicy" player who can take a lesson from him, who's sure to receive a lot of fanfare when he reaches his own milestone (if he does it in his own ballpark). If the Mets are smart, they'll give Glavine just as much (if not more) of a tribute when that final out is made, giving him 300 career wins.

The Lady

Waiting For Nothing: Barry Bonds & The HR Record

This week finds me on jury duty here in the Bronx. I started yesterday, making my trek down to the Bronx County Courthouse, which is just a few blocks from Yankee Stadium. If you know anything about jury duty you know it's all about waiting. Waiting, in most cases, for nothing. You sit in a huge room full of strangers. You may or may not get your name called to be considered for a seat on a jury. If you get called, you sit in a courtroom and, you may or may not get your name called to sit in a jury box. After all that, you may or may not be accepted as a juror. If you are accepted, and you're on a civil case, the parties may settle before any evidence is even presented. If you're on a criminal case, the defendant may plead guilty before any opening statements are made. Hence, you have done a lot of waiting for nothing.

Well I obviously had way too much time on my hands yesterday, because my mind wandered around until it come up with an analogy about all of this to Barry Bonds. Next month the wait begins. We'll all start waiting for Bonds to break Hank Aaron's all-time home run record. At some point this season he'll do it, and it will be like waiting for nothing. That's because we're all sitting around like jurors, hoping to be able to find him guilty of using performance-enhancing drugs. We drink up stories about his increased jersey size, his big head and his huge feet. We listen as he says that death threats are the reason he acts like an arrogant son-of-a-bitch all of the time (Yeah, right.). We shrug our shoulders and think about something else when a few people talk about the government's Barry Bonds Witch Hunt. We don't care about that. We just care about the waiting. The waiting is not the hardest part when it comes to Barry Bonds. The hardest part will be when he breaks the record and when the witch hunt ends, because it will end eventually, and Barry Bonds will throw his head back in laughter and drag his fat, arrogant ass around the bases for the 756th time. Hence, we'll have done a lot of waiting for nothing.

The Lady