I'm off to Milwaukee this morning to join _ and help create, I suppose _ the Barry Bonds Circus. I think this is a terrific story, one that touches so many themes, from greed to pride to race to groupthink, from journalistic ethics to medicine to law. Looking forward to it, although admittedly hoping it doesn't drag.
But in the spirit of the trading season, let's narrow our focus and discuss Bonds the player. Let's say, just for kicks, the Giants resolved to trade him as soon as number 756 left the park. And Bonds, in the hopes of getting his first World Series ring, signed off on it.
I can't stress enough that this is a hypothetical; Bonds is going nowhere. But if you could have him for your team, would you want him? Would his on-base skills and occasional power be worth the media influx and clubhouse negativity?
P.S. Any restaurant recommendations in Milwaukee? I haven't been there since 1997, when I watched Dwight Gooden, Hideki Irabu, Andy Pettitte and David Wells (who recorded his 100th career victory) start games for the Yankees and met a young Brewers left-hander named Ron Villone. Also, this happened.
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Where are you staying? Mason Street Grill, attached to the Pfister, is new and quite good (though I've heard mixed reviews on the service). Bacchus, in the Cudahy Tower on Prospect Ave. and Wells Street, overlooking the lake, is excellent. For something a little simpler, try Mo's Irish Pub west of the river on Wisconsin Ave. and N. Plankinton. Postgame I'd try Elsa's off Cathedral Square (Kilbourn and Jefferson) or the Milwaukee Ale House in the Third Ward (just a few blocks south of the freeway spur, on Water Street)--its a brew pub with kitchen open until the bar closes at 2am, with tables outside on the river.
Its going to be a beautiful weekend here. And an electric one if you're a baseball fan. Incredibly, it was 31 years ago TODAY that Aaron hit no. 755 in Milwaukee (there's now a marker in the parking lot). If Barry hits two tonight, that would be one incredible coincidence. Exciting.
Will pitchers challenge Bonds after he hits 754...will Bonds "alter" his swing if he hits 755 in Milwaukee to make sure he breaks the record at home...or will he be "rested" until the Giants return to SF.