Bonds, Beijing and Brett

Does any American League GM (Brian Cashman) realize that Barry Bonds had a better slugging percentage and reached base more times than Manny Ramirez and Mark Teixeira last year? I'm just asking (Brian Cashman). Because all the hoopla and swarms of salivating media members in the (Yankees) clubhouse may be worth it if you ask me. Although another bat would not put them over the top in the AL East race, the Yanks are going to need to out-bash the competition the rest of the way, especially now with Joba heading to the disabled list. Why am I pining for Bonds in pinstripes? Because I'd love the drama surrounding a clubhouse featuring A-Rod and Barry.

Can someone tell me why competition at the Beijing Olympics has already started--a women's soccer match--before the Opening Ceremony of the Games has taken place?

Early word is that the set-up at Oakland Hills is more like a U.S. Open course than a PGA Championship one. The 18th hole, in particular, should provide tons of excitement over the tournament's four days as the year's final major has traditionally been deemed the most fair and balanced of the U.S. majors. That reputation will surely be tested this weekend as Oakland Hills will be the longest par 70 course played in major championship history. Add in the fact that the greens are said to have more breaks than even the ones at Augusta National, viewers should be glues to their television on Sunday.

The Bucs and Jets seem to be the finalists in the Brett Favre sweepstakes.

That is all on the Brett Favre front.

Does anyone else think that Clemson will finish with no less than three losses this year? Every year the talent is there, and every year they are coached by Tommy Bowden.

Ray Rice will make his NFL debut on Thursday night in the Baltimore Ravens' preseason opener against the New England Patriots. With Willis McGahee nursing a knee injury, the rookie from Rutgers will start as he looks to continue to impress the Ravens brass. Rice carried the ball 910 times in his collegiate career, prompting some scouts to be concerned over his wear and tear. However, rookie head coach John Harbaugh likes the fact that he is a veteran in carrying the ball. And with McGahee's propensity to visit the trainer's table, Rice may be able to have a nice rookie campaign in Baltimore.