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Bonds remains baseball's biggest star

06/27/2007 12:23 PM
John Ames

AP photo
Can you spot the Giants fans? I count five, which is about three more than I expected to see in Fenway Park.

Barry Bonds.

That’s probably all I have to say to generate some reader feedback, but I’ll go further:

Barry Bonds belongs in the All-Star Game. There, bring it on.

I was a Bonds backer until last year when I decided it was time to open my eyes to what many have decided is fact: that he enhanced his body and performance artificially. Even so, I think he’s an All Star.

The All-Star Game is a popularity contest, and Bonds is the game’s biggest draw. People love Bonds. Most love to boo him. Others either openly or from the closet love to watch his power, his quick bat, his swing, his eye at the plate and his affect on pitchers trying to lessen the inevitable damage he will cause to their efforts. There were even some brave (crazy?) enough to cheer his homer in Fenway Park.

The All-Star Game this year will be played in Bonds’ home park. His biggest fans should not be denied a chance to see him there.

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Hot Stove

National League

Arizona Diamondbacks Exercised the 2010 contract option RHP Brandon Webb.

Atlanta Braves Reinstated INF Danny Richar from the 60-day DL and assigned him outright off the roster, making him a free agent. Assigned 1B Kevin Barker outright off the roster and Barker elected free agency. Assigned OF Darnell McDonald outright off the roster. Assigned C Corky Miller outright off the roster and Miller agreed to a minor league contract with Louisville (IL). Signed RHP Justin Lehr to a one-year contract and assigned him outright to Louisville.

Colorado Rockies Declined 2010 contract options on LHP Alan Embree and C Yorvit Torrealba.

Florida Marlins Named Randy St. Claire pitching coach, Dave Collins first base/outfield coach, Josue Espada third base/infield coach and Reid Cornelius bullpen coach.

Los Angeles Dodgers Announced OF Manny Ramirez exercised his 2010 contract option.

Milwaukee Brewers Declined the 2010 contract option on RHP David Weathers.

New York Mets Declined the 2010 contract option on RHP J.J. Putz.

Philadelphia Phillies Exercised the 2010 contract option LHP Cliff Lee.

Pittsburgh Pirates Assigned RHP Virgil Vasquez and RHP Eric Hacker outright to Indianapolis (IL) and C Steve Lerud outright to Altoona (EL).

Washington Nationals Declined 2010 contract option on OF Austin Kearns.

American League

Chicago White Sox Declined the 2010 contract option on OF Jermaine Dye. Acquired INF-OF Mark Teahen from Kansas City for INF Chris Getz, INF Josh Fields and cash considerations.

Cleveland Indians Named Tim Belcher pitching coach.

Detroit Tigers Assigned INF Michael Hollimon outright to Toledo (IL). Assigned C Matt Treanor and OF Marcus Thames off the roster. Purchased the contract of RHP Jay Sborz from Toledo. Reinstated RHP Joel Zumaya and INF Jeff Larish from the 60-day DL.

Kansas City Royals Declined the 2010 contract options for OF Coco Crisp, C Miguel Olivo and RHP Yasuhiko Yabuta.

Los Angeles Angels Signed general manager Tony Reagins to a multiyear contract extension.

Minnesota Twins Acquired SS J.J. Hardy from Milwaukee for OF Carlos Gomez.

Toronto Blue Jays Sent C Kyle Phillips, LHP Davis Romero and LHP Bill Murphy outright to Las Vegas (PCL).