Bonds's record chase highlights Aaron's terrific career

	Barry Bonds's pursuit of the all-time home run record has made Hank Aaron's accomplishments seem that much more impressive. Fred Kaplan
	REACT: Who's better, Bonds or Aaron? Send your thoughts to Ted Your name: Your e-mail address: Your home town: Make your case:

It's finally here, what promises to be one of the most memorable moments in all of sports history, even if a lot of people have been hoping it would never happen. Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants stands on the brink of catching, then passing, Hank Aaron for the all-time home run lead. He hit his 754th home run last Friday, and his next home run will tie Aaron's mark of 755 which has stood for 33 years. The record-breaking 756th could come as soon as this week at Dodger Stadium, where Bonds is sure to be booed lustily by fans who have always been against him if for no other reason than because he is a Giant.

But if there's one good thing that should come of this, it's that perhaps now people will begin to appreciate just how great a player Hank Aaron truly was during his 23-year-career with the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves and the Milwaukee Brewers. On the all-time alphabetic roster of players, Aaron's name comes second, and it could be argued that when the list of greatest players is made, he should be no lower than that.

Not only is he baseball's all-time home run king, but he also holds the marks for RBI (2,297), extra base hits (1,477), and total bases (6,856). Aaron also ranks in the top five in games (third, 3,298), at-bats (second, 12,364), runs (tied for third, 2,174), and hits (third, 3,771).

Even when he played, Aaron was never given his full due. He won just one National League MVP award (Bonds has won a record seven) and only played in three post-seasons (winning one World Series; Bonds has played in seven post-seasons and lost his only World Series appearance in 2002). Instead Aaron became a wonderful example of an excellent player doing his job quietly, brilliantly, and without complaint or suspicion from anyone about anything. While Bonds endures grand juries and possible jail time for cheating and lying, Aaron endured death threats for nothing more than doing his job the right way, and better than anyone ever had. Bonds may get his home run record, but he won't get the respect that Aaron continues to receive today as a great player, and a greater person.

Here's a comparison of Bonds and Aaron's stats. Who do you think was the better player? Write in and let me know.

COVERING THE BASES MAILBAG

Most of you agreed with me that the Cubs have the best chance of reaching the post-season among the seven National League wild-card contenders, and some of you even think they'll catch and pass the Brewers to win the NL Central. Here's some of your responses to last week's question about the National League playoff chase.

MATT from Illinois: "I agree with the Cubs as your number one pick. Their ace, Carlos Zambrano, has been on fire, and their bats are finally coming to life. That's why they have the best chance to make the playoffs in the National League."

As good as Zambrano has been, it will be important that he get some help down the stretch if the Cubs are going to make the post-season. One starting pitcher alone isn't enough, but Ted Lilly and Rich Hill in particular have been solid this year.

MATTHEW from Indiana: "Being a Cubs fan for three years, I am seriously excited about their chances this year! Even with people like Daryle Ward and Cliff Floyd they could use some depth on the bench."

Keep an eye on the trading deadline, which comes Tuesday at 4 p.m. There isn't a great deal of available talent, but contenders and big spenders like the Cubs might not hesitate to strengthen their bench or their bullpen. Sometimes the most important addition isn't always a big name, but a guy who fills an important role, like a middle reliever.

SHANE from Ohio: "The Cubs have the best chance because of the injury to Ben Sheets, the Brewers ace. That will hurt Milwaukee a lot. Their other pitchers aren't having great years and depend on a lot of run support, but Sheets would be able to minimize opponents' offenses and win with fewer runs. The Cubs should catch them."

Shane is exactly right. With Sheets out several more weeks with an injured finger, the Brewers have lost their go-to ace, the guy they could usually count on at giving them an excellent chance at winning (Sheets is 10-4 with a 3.39 ERA). Without him, the pressure gets hotter on their other pitchers, none of whom have been in a pennant race before. The Brewers and Cubs meet just three more times this season, in a series at the end of August in Wrigley Field.