No, he's not sliding into home.

Not yet.

And he's not hitting home runs.

Not yet.

In fact, in Mac's first-inning "pinch-hitting" appearance last night in Milwaukee (batting second in Tony La Russa's batting order before being removed)...he didn't hit a fair ball as he was called out on strikes in his only at-bat.

But at least Mac is doing more than just blowing bubbles...

...or looking at his bat.

We are not aware of any St. Louis-based sports media that know, for sure, what makes Mark McGwire tick. One thing seems clear to this bureau, though. After watching McGwire spy on the Cincinnati Reds post-game victory celebrations last September when the Reds were in their playoff drive, and hearing the man describe how much fun winning is...and how much he craves being a part of that kind of team-based effort and accomplishment...

Well, either Mark McGwire is the best liar on the planet, or else, he wouldn't miss the September-October 2000 Cardinal games for the world.

Says here that Mac's a player.