Barry von Shtupp

In a brilliant comment on Barry Bonds' "The Media Ruined Me" speech, Jon Weisman of Dodger Thoughts turns for inspiration to—yes—Blazing Saddles:

I'm tired
Tired of playing the game
Ain't it a freakin' shame.
I'm so...let's face it. Everything below the waist is ka-put.
- Lili von Shtupp

Weisman is also soliciting nominations for fantasy national anthem singers. He suggests Sam Cooke. More SteroidBall: In this week's Sports Illustrated, former LAT writer Rick Reilly lays it heavy on ex-USC star Mark McGwire for whiffing during his appearance before Congress.

Also in SI: Jack McCallum takes the pulse of Kobe Bryant's Lakers in a feature piece.