As mentioned, the only advantage the device gives Bonds is confidence with regards to a pitch ruining his arm/elbow. Anything beyond that is ridiculous. If other players aren't allowed to wear such items, it's only because baseball doesn't want player after mediocre player standing on top of the plate trying to either get plunked or draw walks. First Bonds gets home run advantage by steroids, we are told, and now his arm brace? I'm not familiar with the writer's background in playing baseball, or more specifically, hitting 95 mph pitches 435 feet, but it's not something that's easy. Having a bulky thing on your arm isn't going to provide all the benefits he describes unless Bonds is, in reality, the bionic man. And the Home Run Derby reference IS just plain stupid. The fact that Bonds doesn't do well in such ridiculous events, in my mind, proves what a great hitter he is. If he was merely a pumped-up steroid freak, he'd be jacking balls out of the park every time he swung a bat, no matter if it's batting practice, off a tee, or in a game. Hopefully this home run record gets broken very soon so writers, or physics majors with too much time on their hands, can move onto other topics.
CBS' Public Eye column also think it reads like something from the Onion.
If this thing really works, how much is the golf version? I'll take a righty and a lefty, just to be safe.
Rule 14-3 The United States Golf Association (USGA) reserves the right, at any time, to change the Rules relating to artificial devices and unusual equipment and make or change the interpretations relating to these Rules. A player in doubt as to whether use of an item would constitute a breach of Rule 14-3 should consult the USGA. A manufacturer may submit to the USGA a sample of an item to be manufactured for a ruling as to whether its use during a stipulated round would cause a player to be in breach of Rule 14-3. The sample becomes the property of the USGA for reference purposes. If a manufacturer fails to submit a sample before manufacturing and/or marketing the item, the manufacturer assumes the risk of a ruling that use of the item would be contrary to the Rules. Except as provided in the Rules, during a stipulated round the player must not use any artificial device or unusual equipment: (a) That might assist him in making a stroke or in his play; or(b) For the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions that might affect his play; or(c) That might assist him in gripping the club, except that:(i) plain gloves may be worn;(ii) resin, powder and drying or moisturizing agents may be used; and(iii) a towel or handkerchief may be wrapped around the grip. Translation: No black elbows for The Black Hand
Except maybe in the locker room.
Except maybe in the locker room. I think you are confusing black elbows with bruised knees.
From the article: At the moment, Bonds' apparatus enjoys "grandfathered" status. Similar devices are presently denied to average major leaguers, who must present evidence of injury before receiving an exemption. It doesn't sound entirely implausible to me, although HR totals and such are clearly pulled out of a hat. If we focus instead on the idea that he got hurt, he was approved to use something to protect his elbow, and now it's changed and may provide a slight hitting advantage, I think the author might be on to something, especially since his elbow guard isn't available to everyone who wants it.
I think the author might be on to something... I just think he's on something.
Here's a link to an interview of the maker of the Bonds device by Will Carroll at Baseball Prospectus in which the individual who makes the device basically debunks most of what's in the article. (Warning: the link is directly to the mp3 file and will presumably launch your default mp3 player.) In addition to debunking the mechanical analysis, the device maker interestingly also notes that Bonds arm hasn't changed in size (the device is very customized and requires precision measurements) since the mid- to late 90's.
In addition to debunking the mechanical analysis, the device maker interestingly also notes that Bonds arm hasn't changed in size (the device is very customized and requires precision measurements) since the mid- to late 90's. Good thing the thing doesn't go around his head.
Barry Bonds... Baseball player... Barely the best hitter in the game ... Gentlemen, we can rebuild him ... we have the drugs and black elbow 'thingy' We have the capability of building the world's first Balconic Man Better, stronger, faster Barry Bonds is the 755 Man
In addition to debunking the mechanical analysis, the device maker interestingly also notes that Bonds arm hasn't changed in size (the device is very customized and requires precision measurements) since the mid- to late 90's. But...but...I was told he's much bigger now than he was in the mid-90s! "Just look at him!" was the phrase of choice. My whole world view is shattered! *cough* world's first Balconic Man Props to you, if you came up with that one yourself.
Good thing the thing doesn't go around his head. I'd say Jack's head grew just as much. I agree with Cuban. "Those of us who grew up pre cable, satellite and Internet don't know nearly as much about our sports icons from the early '80s and before as we think we do."
Grum, Thanks. I did think that I was being original but it appears I was beat: "Still to come are Marion Jones, the Balconic Woman, and the rest of her track compadres, who fear nothing with the possible exception of a person in a lab coat bearing a specimen jar."
I'd say Jack's head grew just as much. I agree with Cuban. "Those of us who grew up pre cable, satellite and Internet don't know nearly as much about our sports icons from the early '80s and before as we think we do." I wonder if the well is permanently poisoned a la Ty Cobb or if Barry can enjoy some late-career or post-career character rehabilitation a la Ted Williams.
You mean if we cut off his head and freeze it? That might buy him some sympathy if he's still alive when we do it. [Daniel Pearl Trophy joke excised - ed.]
I remember the glory days of '95 - '97, when we thought the ball was juiced. Salad days, people, salad days.
Salad days, people, salad days. Wouldn't those have been protein powder shake days Weedy?
