I don't like Alex Rodriguez. 

It is really that simple.

Nevermind that I once had a nickname for him that implied he performed certain private acts with a farm animal. 

Nevermind that I have heard baseball beat writers refer to him as having one of the most closely scripted stories in all of sports and that we would never know who the real ARod is. 

Nevermind that it is likely that no one really personally likes the guy except his wife when he has to buy her expensive jewelry to make up for his cheating ways.

But he is going to be the next player to hit 600 homeruns. At least that is what the New York Times is projecting:

Alex Rodriguez
An obvious choice, Rodriguez is 32 but has hit 528 homers. In his first four years with the Yankees he averaged 43 a season and, if he can maintain close to that pace, he’ll be under 35 when he hits his 600th. Despite a stint on the disabled list earlier this season, A-Rod’s health record is impeccable and he stands a real chance of catching Barry Bonds for the career mark of 762.

Despite what I feel about the man, I can't help but root for him to beat Bonds, who I used to really enjoy watching but can't actually stand anymore.

The article goes on to look at 500 HRs (Gary Sheffield is the pick there, only 17 away) and 300 wins (Randy Johnson is only 12 away).

Most surprising though is the projection that Mussina will hold on for the 41 more victories that it will take him to make 300 wins.

Sure, he has nine this season, but Mussina's high point since 17 victories in 2003 is only 15 in 2006.  And these are not the Yankees of 2006 or 2003.

So, if we are generous and say that Mike gets to 17 this season, assuming he doesn't hurt himself as he may be prone to do as he is 39 this year, that still means it will take him at least two more seasons of at least 15 victories to make the hallowed number.

That is a lot of wear and tear on a body that will be 40 years old next season.