Bonds Getting Praise

Through all of this controversy surrounding Barry Bonds and the steroid era as well as the home run record, a few of American sports' biggest icons have stepped forth and shown their support for Bonds. A few weeks back, right after Bonds hit home run number 754, Michael Jordan sent a video message to Barry that was played on the big screen at AT&T Park. Jordan essentially wished Bonds the best and said how happy he was for him. Then, last night before the Giants-Nationals game, a video was shown of the great Muhammad Ali congratulating Bonds on 755 and giving Bonds a double thumbs up. I'm sure Bonds had to find those messages very reassuring. For all the hate he's received in recent years, it has to feel good to know that two of the biggest stars in the world are behind him 100%. It also makes me wonder about Hank Aaron. It's no secret that Aaron isn't happy that Bonds is the guy who is going to break his record, but the fact that Aaron wants no part of this guy, while Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali are cheering him on has to make me think that Aaron is a little bit jealous. I hate to use the term "hater" but that's really what Aaron is looking like in this situation. Even if he's not going to make an attempt to see Barry's record breaking home run in person, it wouldn't be the worst thing for baseball to have Aaron send Bonds a congratulatory memo like Jordan and Ali did.

Lost in all the Bonds hoopla over the last week was a solid pitching performance from a recent call-up. Pat Misch had a terrific first career start, as he struck out 8 batters while allowing 2 runs in 5 innings of work. I was most impressed by his command as he walked nobody in his 5 innings, and also his big sweeping curveball. He certainly has the control to be able to pitch up here, and he has a very good strikeout pitch in that big hook. I was not very high on the prospect of starting Misch over Jonathon Sanchez as Misch had been dominant in relief all year in Fresno, but he showed why the Giants have hopes of him being in the rotation. Misch has more command and more pitches he can throw strikes with than Sanchez, but I still would like to see Sanchez get stretched out whether it's in San Francisco or Fresno as I think his future one as a starter. Plus, if the Giants are going to deal Sanchez at some point, he will have more value as a starter than reliever.