| Answer | Crossword Clue |
|---|---|
| HAYMAKER | Strong connection? |
| BOND | Strong connection |
| KINSHIP | Strong connection |
| ASAN | Strong-ox connection |
| MUDSLINGER | Desperate political candidate, at times (strong connection) |
| GRANDSLAM | Thing hit 23 times by Alex Rodriguez (very strong connection; i.e., a not-at-all contrived phrase) |
