The 10 Spot: April 8, 2005

1. Embattled slugger Barry Bonds received a one-minute standing ovation before the Giants opener on Tuesday in San Francisco. Bonds thanked the crowd for its support in helping him win last year's NL MVP, batting title and the new Silver Syringe award. -- Mark, Halifax, Nova Scotia

2. Mets pitcher Kris Benson was placed on the 15-day disabled list this week with a strained pectoral muscle. Mets officials have asked his wife, Anna Benson, to refrain from tying him to the bed until the muscle has properly healed. -- Rich, Montville, N.J.

3. The Angels will unveil a new promotion dubbed "Big Bang Friday Fireworks" after they play the Royals on Friday night. The game is expected to be boycotted by creationists. -- Jim, Richmond, Va.

4. Michael Vick is being sued by a Georgia woman claiming to be his ex-girlfriend for knowingly giving her herpes. No news yet on whether or not Nike will add venereal disease to the Michael Vick Experience. -- Amanda, Parma, Mich.

5. Sammy Sosa's agent, Adam Katz, says he and his client have not had serious talks with the Orioles about a long-term deal. The main holdup is that Sosa has stopped communicating in English since just before the Congressional hearings. -- Justin, New York

6. Miami center Shaquille O'Neal will miss his second straight game Friday because of a stomach ailment. Evidently, the ailment is that there's too much stomach hanging over his shorts. -- Todd, Champaign, Ill.

7. Reds infielder Ryan Freel was arrested for DUI on Monday night after Cincinnati's Opening Day and had his driver's license suspended while the case is pending. As a result, Freel is expected to be among the league leaders in walks. -- Tony, Edgewood, Ky.

8. Brad Wilkerson hit for the cycle Wednesday to help the Nationals get their first win. Of course, MLB officials were just happy to be discussing cycles in Washington that didn't involve steroids. -- Michael, Mesa, Ariz.

9. Columnist Mitch Albom apologized to his readers after erroneously reporting that the Warriors' Jason Richardson and the Sonics' Mateen Cleaves cheered for their college team, Michigan State, in person at the Final Four. Most readers recognized the fabrication immediately because only Pacers would ever be seen in the stands. -- Ross , Deerfield, Ill.

10. SI.com columnist Pete McEntegart recently invited readers to submit their own entries for a reader-created edition of his daily 10 Spot column. McEntegart dubbed the special feature a success when all 10 of his readers submitted entries. -- James, Portland, Ore.