Leading Off

Mad about Carlos
Despite appearances, Shane Victorino (8) was happy to see Phillies teammate Carlos Ruiz heading to home plate. That's because Ruiz had just belted a solo, walk-off homer to beat the Brewers 4--3 on May 15 at Citizens Bank Park.

Handle Bars with Care
Cyclists made a hard right on a road above the Amalfi Coast during the fourth stage of the Giro d'Italia on May 16. As the scenic 23-day race proceeded toward Montevergine di Mercogliano, the tawdry side of the sport was on display at Floyd Landis's arbitration hearing against the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (page 16).

Making a Jump to the Pros
Ravens quarterback Troy Smith, the 2006 Heisman Trophy winner from Ohio State, struck a pose—one that he hopes he'll never have to replicate in a live NFL game—during a photo session at the Reebok NFL Players Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles last Saturday. In addition to getting their trading-card pictures taken, players made media appearances and participated in a clinic for kids.

For more Leading Off pictures, go to SI.com/photos.

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Photograph by Al Tielemans

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Photograph by Alberto Pizzoli/AFP/Getty Images

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Photograph by Danny Moloshok/REUTERS