I have the same feeling about Barry Bonds being a threat to hit the ball out of the ball park on every swing, that I did with Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and legendary slugger Willie McCovey.Certain hitters have that look every time they swing the bat. Bonds has it. Two homers yesterday. When he makes contact, the opponents are lucky to keep him in the park.

Last year, I qustioned why anyone pitches to him, this year the whole baseball world is asking the same question.

The key to the strategy, is the situation. If Shinjo and Rich Aurillia are getting on base ahead of Bonds, it is very difficult to walk him, because you are setting up a big inning by putting another runner on base.

The opposing manager figures, I’ll let Jeff Kent beat me or Reggie Sanders, but not Bonds, and invariably that’s what happens, since pitchers don’t like to pitch with the bases juiced.

So, it’s pick your poison. Let Bonds have a shot of knocking it out or let’s get the next guy. Bonds actually becomes more valuable to the Giants by hitting more singles (of course unless it’s a three run homer) because hits keep rallies going and hits are contagious in the order.

Anyway, Bonds is amazing and there is no telling how many walks he may get this year or how many homers he’ll hit. I’ll say 180 and 67 respectively.

Barry Zito, ace number three is trotted out by the A’s tonight. This starting staff gives the A’s a great chance to win every night. Similar to Dave Stewart, Bob Welch, and Mike Moore in the glory days of 1988-90.

Dave Burba doesn’t throw hard anymore, so Dave Justice and Carlos Pena have excellent chances of another big game tonight. Until the hard throwers tie up these two with fastballs, they both are hurting the 87-89 MPH throwers.

Tampa Bay’s Paul Wilson closed strong last year for the second year in a row. It will be interesting to watch his performance tonight. He is close to breaking through if he can avoid getting rocked in April.

Mr. All April goes tonight for Anaheim. Aaron Sele is one of the games best April pitchers. The Angels have a deep bull pen with Troy Percival one of the best closers in the game. If Sele can give the Angels six good innings, the pen can close the deal. The only problem Anaheim has is scoring runs. Chuck Finley, a lefty, is sure to slow down this lefty heavy line up at least the first two times through the order. Tim Salmon is 1-8 and still not showing any punch at the plate. Maybe tonight against the lefty he’ll get it going.

I will say it again. The ChiSox have can’t stop the opposition late in the game. Last night the bull pen gave it away in the 7th inning against Seattle.

I guarantee San Diego scores tonight after being the first team since 1994 to start the season by getting shut out twice in their first two games. Now, the fun starts for the Arizona pitching staff. Brian Anderson, Todd Stottlemyre, and Rick Helling get to work. The Giants will be watching these three very carefully.

The Dodgers have to be concerned because Kevin Brown had nothing yesterday. Today, another good early season vet, Hideo Nomo works for LA against Russ Ortiz. Nomo will have no trouble walking Barry Bonds. This one will be low scoring.

Kerry Wood goes for the Cubs. It’s getting close to the anniversary of his 20 strike out game against the Astros. The Cubs need him to get out of the chute successfully.

How many runs will Dustin Hermanson give up today in Boston. answer…a bunch.