Your turn

Sporting News, The, May 24, 2004

* Let Barry Bonds hit! I am tired of Bonds getting so many intentional walks. People pay a lot of money to see Bonds hit the ball. I propose that Bonds, and anyone else who is Walked intentionally, be given two bases. A runner on first would advance to third, a runner on second would go to third, and a runner on third would stay put. Then, the pitcher would have the choice of giving Bonds two bases or pitching to him.

Richard H. Coppo, Lynchburg, Va.

* I must have missed the NHL's legalization of tackling. If the referees won call penalties, then why are they needed? If the NHL's goal is just to allow the dirtiest team to win, then go ahead and give it to the Flames now.

Bryan Silagy, San Francisco

* The SPORTING NEWS could be even better if it took the time to rate and rank the major league umpires. Higher grades would go to umps whose work behind the plate is smooth and keeps the flow of the game moving. The umpires whose strike zones are inconsistent should be noted. It is important to recognize the jobs umpires do. When an umpire stinks, the game suffers.

Kevin Marquez, San Francisco

* I totally disagree with Paul Grant about contraction (TSN, May 10). The problem is not too many teams. The problem is the way the games are officiated. If hockey were called by the book, completely and consistently, with no favoritism, you would see the best game on earth.

David G. Evans Jr., Calgary

* I couldn't agree more with Paul Grant on the subject of eliminating teams from the NHL. I became a fan in the days of the Original Six but fed the league was at its best when it had 21 franchises. Gary Bettman has made a mockery of hockey.

D. Gibb, Whitehorse, Yukon

Send letters to yourturn@sportingnews.com or to 10176 Corporate Square Drive, Suite 200, St. Louis, MO 63132.