"Absolutely," said Herges, now with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. "To me, he was a good guy. He treated me well."

Herges, a 37-year-old right-handed pitcher with nine years of major league experience, has another reason to pull for Bonds. He is part of the legacy, as one of 441 pitchers against whom Bonds has homered.

On July 21, 2000, Bonds took Herges deep to right field for No. 477 while Herges was in his second season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

That said, Herges would relish another opportunity to face Bonds. Herges began the season in Triple A with the Sky Sox, who suffered a 10-7 loss to the 51s Thursday after falling behind 9-0. In mid-April, he was called up to the Colorado Rockies, made two appearances and was sent back to Colorado Springs a week later.

Herges knows he might not get many more chances to wear a big league uniform. But he has no qualms about his current situation, where he is 2-1 with a 1.19 ERA as a middle reliever.

"There are things I can't control," Herges said. "I can control how I prepare and how I perform. My being in the big leagues is something I can't control. So I just stay positive and enjoy the game."

With his wealth of experience, Herges is almost like an extra pitching coach for the Sky Sox. Young pitchers seek him out for advice, and he's happy to dispense his wisdom.

"I think part of my job is to mentor a little," Herges said. "It would be wrong for me to not share my knowledge and help them."

Aside from the Dodgers and Giants, Herges has spent time with the Montreal Expos, San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks and Florida Marlins. Last season he appeared in 66 games with Florida, a team occasionally rumored to be considering relocation to Las Vegas. Those rumors were plentiful while Herges was with the Marlins.

"Guys were excited about the possibility," he said. "But we didn't think it would come to pass. That said, I think Vegas would be a great place to play. Of course, they'd have to build a park with a (retractable) roof because it's so hot here. But I think it would work."

Herges almost certainly won't be playing if or when that happens, but he has had a solid career. He has appeared in 448 major league games and never spent a day on the disabled list. Even at 37, Herges said he feels strong and isn't ready to leave the game.

"I've been blessed, no question," said Herges, who pitched 1 2/3 innings against the 51s on Wednesday and allowed one hit in Colorado Springs' 7-4 win. "I can't take any credit for it. I just thank God for every day I have and appreciate everything I've been able to accomplish."

• NOTES -- Cimarron-Memorial product Mike Esposito pitched Thursday, mopping up for Sky Sox starter and loser Jorge De Paula (6-3), who was raked for nine runs in three innings. Esposito allowed one hit over three scoreless innings. ... The 51s are teaming with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and United Blood Services for a Blood Drive from 4 to 7 p.m. today. Donors will receive a voucher for two tickets to tonight's game and an insulated 51s lunch bag.