The hottest topics for the week of August 14, 2011 …
The 600 Club: If Jim Thome hits his 600th home run and nobody cares, did it really happen?
Big Z: After some unruly conduct Carlos Zambrano was put on the disqualified list – which seems unnecessary, since he’s already on the Cubs.
Draft signing deadline: Baseball fans (and by that we mean player agents) all agree that this is one of the most exciting days of the year.
Bruce Bochy: The San Francisco manager says a hypnotist helped him quit smoking. But no luck on his other addiction: grizzled veterans.
Toronto Blue Jays: They claim they are not stealing signs – just borrowing them.
Mo problems: Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera gave up a home run in two consecutive games for the first time ever. A New York senator blames the Tea Party.
Barry Zito: After spraining his ankle during a rehab start, his return to the Giants has been delayed – so, their playoff chances just got better.
No mo LoMo: When asked about demoting outfielder Logan Morrison for his Twitter use, 80-year-old Marlins manager Jack McKeon said, “What is an Internet?”
Extra innings
NFL Preseason: After months of bickering like the Real Housewives, the owners and players have air-kissed and made up and now it’s time for a mani/pedi.
Tiger Woods: He didn’t make the cut at the PGA Championship and now his future is uncertain – except for absurd wealth, trashy women and Valtrex.
Contributors: Zach Pennington, Nick Astrupgaard, Justin Workman, Brian Solari