How are the mighty fallen

Not so long ago, fans were booing pitchers for walking Barry Bonds instead of pitching to him. Now, pitchers are getting standing ovations for hitting him with a pitch.

A glance at any sports website would lead you to believe that the whole nation is holding its breath as Bonds chases Ruth and Aaron, but I think that the reaction in Houston is much closer to Joe Q. Baseball Fan's feelings about this whole charade. And it's interesting to note that Bonds' beaning - after a clear warning had been issued - did not lead to a benches-clearing brawl on the field. He's cut himself off so far that evcen his own team doesn't want to stick up for him. Poor old Barry.