In anticipation of a new season, the Post-Gazette conducted an online reader poll from March 10-24. What follows are the results compiled from the 1,458 responses we received (numbers are percentages):

What is the most interesting story line of 2006?

Barry Bonds' quest for 755 HRs amid the controversy surrounding the new book "Game of Shadows."
43.1

The Chicago White Sox's bid to repeat the World Series championship it won last season -- its first since 1917.
33.5

Expiration of the labor agreement at the end of the year
14.4

Increased penalties for use of illegal substances
6.7

The All-Star Game comes to PNC Park in July
2.2

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Barry Bonds needs 48 home runs to pass Hank Aaron on the all-time home run list. Will he catch him this year?

Yes
88.6

No
11.4

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Will Barry Bonds ever catch home run king Hank Aaron?

Yes
64.3

No
35.7

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The Pirates won 67 games in 2005. How many will they win this season?

67 or less
46.2

68-75
30.7

76-81
21.1

82 or more
2.0

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Which new Pirate will have the greatest impact on the team's 2006 fortunes?

Sean Casey
57.1

Jim Tracy
31.6

Jeromy Burnitz
7.6

Joe Randa
3.6

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Which offseason pickup will have the greatest impact for his new team?

Johnny Damon, Yankees 29.3

Alfonso Soriano, Nationals
27.2

Troy Glaus, Blue Jays
15.5

Carlos Delgado, Mets
15.2

Jim Thome, White Sox
12.8

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Who will be the surprise team of 2006?

Toronto Blue Jays
43.6

Texas Rangers
33.4

New York Mets
22.9

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If you were building a team, with which player would you start?

Andruw Jones, Braves
67.6

Albert Pujols, Cardinals
11.5

Derek Jeter, Yankees
9.8

Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
7.1

Vladimir Guerrero, Angels
3.9

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Who is the best national baseball television analyst?

Peter Gammons
39.5

Tim McCarver
24.7

Joe Morgan
17.4

Kevin Kennedy
14.8

Harold Reynolds
3.5

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If sports are cyclical, is the game on an upturn or a downturn as we head into 2006?

Up
62.7

Down
37.3