The Associated Press

NEW YORK - Baseball's biggest sluggers look as if they've lost a little pop in their bats.

For the first full season since 1993, it appears neither Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa nor any of the game's top power hitters will reach 50 home runs.

Could it be because baseball started testing for steroids this season? Some players think so.

"You look at the home-run numbers and you look at the averages that have gone down this year," said Frank Thomas of the Chicago White Sox, a two-time American League MVP. "I think it's a telltale sign that it's having a positive effect."

Before the 1994-95 strike, players hit at least 50 homers just 18 times. Babe Ruth in 1927 was the only one to hit 60 until Roger Maris had 61 in 1961.

Then came an unprecedented power barrage. Since the strike, players have reached 50 homers 18 times. Sosa topped 60 in three seasons and Mark McGwire did it twice, hitting a record 70 in 1998. Then in 2001, Bonds hit 73.

While the big bashers have dropped off, the overall average hasn't. There has been an average of 2.14 homers a game this year, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, up from 2.09 last season. Still, it's below the three peak years: 2.28 in 1999, 2.34 in 2000 and 2.25 in 2001.

Bonds spent much of the season dealing with the death of his father, Bobby. The 39-year-old outfielder, who has repeatedly denied ever using steroids, has played in just 124 games, averaging a home run per 8.5 at-bats. Sosa has played 132 games, missing time because of a beaning and a suspension. He has 36 homers, an average of one per 13.8 at-bats.

SORIANO SETS MARK: New York Yankees second baseman Alfonso Soriano hit his 13th leadoff home run of the year Monday night, establishing a major league record.

Soriano had shared the previous mark with Brady Anderson, who hit 12 leadoff homers for the Baltimore Orioles in 1996.

COX SUSPENDED: Braves manager Bobby Cox was suspended for two games and fined Monday by the commissioner's office for prolonged arguing during a game against Philadelphia on Sept. 11.

Cox was ejected for the ninth time this season after arguing with third-base umpire Chuck Meriwether in the bottom of the first inning when Marcus Giles was called out trying to steal third. Before leaving the field, Cox confronted plate umpire Tim Welke, complaining about his calls on pitcher Greg Maddux. He will start the suspension Tuesday against Montreal.

MINOR LEAGUES: Minor league baseball attendance increased by 430,565 fans last season and passed 39 million for the regular season.

The total of 39,069,707 for 176 teams in 15 leagues was the second highest in history. The record of 39,782,717 was set in 1949, when there were 448 teams in 59 leagues.