Rant One: Bye, Bye Barry?
The baseball gods have a way of evening things out. For every line drive that is hit directly at a fielder, there is a broken-bat, excuse-me-swing blooper that drops in for a hit. A couple of weeks ago in this column I called for the retirement of Barry Bonds, knowing full well he would like nothing more than to come back and pass Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron's home run totals in spite of the game, the fans and himself. Right now, at least, it looks like there are higher forces working to keep him from soiling sports most hallowed record.

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Earlier in the week it was discovered that Bonds’ rehab on his surgically repaired knee has been put on hold indefinitely because of a post-operative infection. According to ESPN.com, he has been receiving antibiotic IVs and was instructed to "remain as immobile as possible." The seven-time NL MVP turns 41 in July, and with the stress of the ongoing BALCO inquiry, baseball’s new drug testing policy and father time nipping at his heels -- you have to wonder if he will even be a shell of his former self if and when he returns.

Rant Two: Will He Pitch Forever?
Since Dennis "OilCan" Boyd’s idol is Satchel Paige, it should come as no surprise that, at age 45, he is attempting a comeback. The lanky right-hander, who went 78-77 in 10 major league seasons (1982-91) with the Red Sox, Expos and Rangers, pitched three shutout innings for the Brockton Rox of the independent Can-Am (Candian-American) League on May 16. It was his first appearance in an organized game since 1997.

Rant Three: The One And Only Rickey
In the summer of 1976, America was celebrating its Bicentennial, Jimmy Carter was on his way to defeating Gerald Ford to become president and a 17-year-old, fourth round draft pick named Rickey Henderson was beginning his pro baseball career with the Boise Athletics.

Now, three decades and five presidents later, Rickey is still playing. On May 9, the 46-year-old future Hall of Famer inked a deal to play for the San Diego Surf Dawgs of the Golden Baseball League. The Surf Dawgs play their home games at Tony Gwynn Stadium on the San Diego State University campus. Henderson, of course, played with Gwynn in two stints with the Padres and is roughly a year-and-a-half older than the Padres legend.

Contrary to some reports, by playing in an independent league, Henderson is not delaying his Hall of Fame induction. Only an appearance in a major league uniform would push back his trip to Cooperstown. Henderson last played in the big leagues with the Dodgers in 2003, and is Hall eligible in 2009.