Bonds vs. the Babe: Unmaking the Myth Feature Story in the New Issue of ESPN the Magazine; Plus - The Magazine's NFL Draft and NHL Playoff Previews.

NEW YORK -- ESPN The Magazine:

BONDS VS. THE BABE:

The Breaking Point. As Barry Bonds moves inexorably toward The Babe's iconic 714 home run mark, it's not just the surly slugger's baggage that's the problem. It's our own. Pop culture commentator, author and ESPN contributor Chuck Klosterman reports.

NFL DRAFT 2006:

Trust No One. In the run up to draft day, misinformation can sink a prospect's stock overnight. So draftees like D'Brickshaw Ferguson learn fast to watch their backs. The Magazine's Luke Cyphers reports.

Rise and Fall. Between the bowls and the draft, player ratings fluctuate daily. The Magazine tracks Jay Cutler and four more bonus babies as they negotiate this silly season. The Magazine's contributor Eddie Matz reports.

A New Look. Who's going where and why? The Magazine calls on the football savants at Scouts Inc. to break down the needs of each franchise, while ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. lays down his first-round forecast.

OTHER FEATURES:

Value Added. Atlanta told Boris Diaw he needed to change his game. Turns out, the unselfish Frenchman just needed a change of scenery. Phoenix was more than happy to oblige. The Magazine's Chris Broussard reports.

This Side of a Miracle. Doctors warned Tony Hills that he'd never play football again. Then his mother turned to a higher authority for a second opinion. The Magazine's Bruce Feldman reports.

Travel Team. What's a Chinese franchise doing in a second-rate American basketball league? Looking to give its national program a great leap forward. The Magazine's Ric Bucher reports.

Open Ice. In the brave new NHL playoffs, some skaters will have to tone it down while others can turn it up. Philly's Derian Hatcher and Nashville's Steve Sullivan prep for postseason. The Magazine's staff reports.

Total Access: A High Seed. What do you get when you mix ballers like Sean May with kids from war-torn countries? One unforgettable camp experience. And hopes for peace. The Magazine's contributor Tal Pinchevsky reports.

Extra Credit: Indy Rock. It may seem like an odd match-up, but when Gene Simmons and Carmelo Anthony signed on with the IRL, they made beautiful music together for the league. The Magazine's contributors Andy and Brian Kamenetzky report.

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