Leading Off

Manny Ramirez is making his home debut for the River Cats tonight as he nears the end of his 50-game suspension after violating baseball's drug policies for a second time.

The Giants' version of capitalism – let's call it "Gnome Economics" – apparently is not built on bedrock financial theories. It's more of a marketing flub akin to pouring warm, flat beer on the heads of half a stadium full of fans on selected game days throughout the season.

For NBA fans, the Western Conference finals showdown between the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder is must-see TV, a (possible) seven-part dramatic miniseries featuring small-market powerhouses.

Do you remember Cody Ross and Pat Burrell, two veterans who were waived by their respective teams in 2010 before Giants general manager Brian Sabean picked them up?

Whether or not I'll Have Another wins the Triple Crown next month, his thrilling come-from-behind victory Saturday in the Preakness Stakes will be the talk around the stables for years.

While discussing the WNBA and his New York Liberty, John Whisenant revealed that his wife, Joyce, is being treated for ovarian cancer.

Rod Beilby and Bob Maglione were the men of the hour Thursday in Bakersfield, the site of the California Community College baseball and softball championships. Both were inducted into the California Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

A debate broke out the other day among of group of fans watching a Giants game at a local watering hole.

Plenty of reasons exist for baseball fans to still care about Manny Ramirez, who will join the River Cats for 10 games beginning Saturday in Albuquerque, N.M.

Matt Leinart was supposed to begin his professional football career in Oakland, not try to resurrect it with the Raiders.

Sixteen years ago this week, Shareef Abdur- Rahim wrestled with a decision that most 19-year-olds usually don't have to make.

The twins are graduating from eighth grade on Friday, so we're headed to Half Moon Bay. We thought about catching the Giants-A's game on Saturday at AT&T Park, since we'll already be so close.

Sometimes you have to look toward the high schools to find a feel-good story, away from college hazing or player expulsion for brawling or NFL concussions.

The Giants, who have enough pitching to contend for the playoffs, lack dependable offense, dependable defense and experience.

My son will never be allowed – even if medically cleared – to play contact football after suffering severe head trauma at birth.

Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie has been rumored for the Portland Trail Blazers' general manager job, which has been vacant for more than a year.

Random thoughts on the just-completed sad, disturbing and wacky week in sports:

Plenty of folks will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo today with margaritas and Tecate. It also promises to be a great day for sports fans. Here's a sampling.

Is this still a college baseball town? You can bet your Big 8 Conference dollar on it.

There's no justification for the bounty system run for years by the New Orleans Saints, and the NFL made a strong statement by suspending four players Wednesday.

For baseball stats freaks, the end of the first month of the major league season is a giddy time.

Forty-two times Floyd Mayweather Jr., has slipped through the ropes of a professional boxing ring, and 42 times he has left it a winner.

It won't be much of a surprise when LeBron James is named the NBA's MVP for the 2011-12 regular season.

Eric Musselman, whose one season as the Kings' coach (2006-07) was doomed before the regular-season tipoff when he was charged with driving under the influence, quietly continues rebuilding his career.