Why National League Baseball is Better

I've watched more baseball this season than I have in a long time. And for the first time I've come to this conclusion: The National League is heads and tails above the American League when it comes to playing good baseball.

Great example from a game I was watching earlier this summer. The Yankees were at home and I don't even remember who they were playing. They were in a tie ballgame in the bottom of the 8th. Whoever led off that inning smacked a double in the gap. Runner on second, no outs, tie ballgame in the bottom of the 8th. Melky Cabrera was up second and it was a leftie throwing so he was hitting right-handed. Now common sense tells you that Cabrera should bunt the runner on second over to third or at the very worst, do his best to hit the ball to the right side of the field so the runner could advance to third with only one out. Right?

One would assume wrong.

Torre gave the green light for Cabrera to hack away -- opening up his front shoulder and pulling his head out on every swing. It was either a fly out to the left side of the field or he struck out, i don't remember -- either way he didn't advance the runner. The next two batters were retired and the visiting team scored one in the Top of the 9th and chalk up another Yankees loss.

I hate to say it -- but in nearly every American League game I've seen this year -- with maybe the exception of the Red Sox -- the American League teams have been playing this kind of baseball. Then you turn over to the National League and watch teams like the Mets (who will win the National League pennant this year) who manufacture almost every run they get, and then every baseball fan understands why their fathers, uncles, and grandfathers have always said that the National League is better baseball.. Willie Randolph would have never let the situation described above happen.

That's why, I predict slightly a month after the all-star break, that the American League is going to have a tough go of it down the stretch unless they start playing more fundamental baseball. Having a DH is no excuse -- even a clean-up batter can bunt when the situation is right.

756 - Mixed Emotions

I read somewhere on Sunday that a particular columnist was overcome with a sense of apathy after 755. Tonight, I kind of felt the same way. Though this chase has been intriguing to watch -- I'm glad it's over.

History will ultimately judge Barry Bonds and don't think for a second that Bonds, McGuire, & Palmiero won't be in the Hall of Fame. They should be and they will be. With the minor, questionable exception of Palmiero - not a one of them has been proven guilty of anything.

This debate could go on and on but the Baseball Junkie would just rather leave it alone. Hero of the night isn't Bonds - it's Hank Aaron for doing the right thing and passing the torch without controversly.

Tomorrow -- on to the playoff chase.

755 - FINALLY

Let me preface this first post by telling you I've been thinking about doing a baseball blog for a long time. Besides politics, it's the only think I know a lot about and it's truly what I love.

Tonight a little before 10:30 Barry Bonds finally tied Hank Aaron's career home run record. Let me speak for the masses when I say THANK THE GOOD LORD IT'S FINALLY OVER.

Though every sportswriter in the country is going to have an opinion on this, I think most of them will disagree with the following points:

• We can talk about "alleged steroid abuse" all we want but Barry Bonds has never once tested positive for steroids. Shame on Major League Baseball
• Bud Selig looked like a spoiled brat putting his hands in his pockets instead of clapping when 755 was hit. Let's not forget that the "steroids era" happened on his watch and most likely with him turning a blind eye to what he knew was going on
• Steroids or no Steroids: 755 is an amazing number
• Bonds better be a first ballot Hall of Famer

A lot of people who know what a baseball purist I am will probably be surprised to see me write this -- but love him or hate him, Barry Bonds has earned his day in the sun. I'm a little surprised the San Diego Padres didn't do more to acknowledge this record breaking moment.