Is Albert Pujols On Steroids?, My Favorite Ballpark

I know you love Wrigley Field and Fenway but what’s your least favorite major league ballpark? Jared, San Antonio

Most of the new parks are really well done. I’ve been fortunate enough to see games at Petco, Safeco, Minute Maid and in SF. I would say, based solely on reports from my Hot Friend Ann, the White Sox ballpark is probably near the bottom of the pack. I’ve never been there though. They had a chance to make a beautiful park at the same time Camden Yards was built in Baltimore and what do they do? Make a replica of their old ball park. Big swing and a miss. So much has to do with the neighborhood that the park is in. That’s why I love Wrigley. It’s the bars and baby dolls that surround the field. Also, isn’t it about time for the Minnesota Twins to upgrade? That joint is just butt ugly. Who the hell thinks a garbage bag in right field is a good look?

Is it possible that, uh oh, maybe Albert Pujols could be on the juice? Ryan, Albany

Of course not Ryan, that is just a ridiculous thought. Why would anyone suspect a power hitter in this day and age? How utterly absurd! As a Hall of Fame voter told me two weeks ago, “Of course he’s doing them, they all are.” And that voter is not someone the ESPN audience is aware of. He’s a lower profile voter. Listen, believe what you want, what do I care? But there are no super humans. Bernie Madoff couldn’t possibly get the returns he did in the market during ‘down markets’. And I don’t think any player is this much better than anyone else. I have a right to be cynical. Others have a right to dream and hope. Tony LaRussa still denies big Mac’s use, so even the well connected are clueless.

How can one fervently support a team, and avoid acquiring the fan mentality that is ruining sports? Jack, Bloomfield Hills, MI

There’s nothing wrong with being a fan. But why be an idiot. Love your team yet have perspective. It’s a game. The team doesn’t speak for you. Enjoy the games, root like hell and realize, win or lose, it doesn’t really affect your kids, your career, your gal or your life span. It’s a game, nothing else. (Unless of course you’ve followed one of Big Al McMordie’s great selections, in which case it’s no longer a game, it’s any easy way to pay your rent!)

In Vegas, the Denver Broncos projected win total is 7 games. I know you expect them to have a rebuilding season, especially with their difficult schedule. Do you predict 6 wins or fewer? Billy, Boulder

Billy, Denver just feels like a mess to me. A shaky, immature QB led by a too young head coach out west and out of his element. I could be wrong, but throw in diva WR Brandon Marshall and the vibe just stinks. The good news, the division is weaker than the Baltimore Orioles starting pitching, so you have a chance. Take that under though, that will give you something to be happy about after every loss. I’m not the first one to say this and I guarantee this will be the overwhelming opinion in Denver by October: Josh McDaniels is an immature jerk.