Agent says Bonds is training and wants to play in '08
With his arraignment set for today in San Francisco federal court, Barry Bonds' agent says the all-time home run king has designs on playing baseball in 2008, according to a published report.
With his arraignment set for today in San Francisco federal court, Barry Bonds' agent says the all-time home run king has designs on playing baseball in 2008, according to a published report.
"He's training currently and he'd like to come back in 2008 to put a World Series ring on his finger," Bonds' agent, Jeff Borris, told MLB.com. "Barry definitely wants to continue playing. So I'm actively pursuing jobs for him from teams that are committed to winning."
Meanwhile, more than 200 journalists and members of the public are expected to crowd the courtroom today and a second overflow room for a brief hearing that marks Bonds' first public appearance since he was indicted Nov. 15.
Bonds was indicted on four counts of perjury and one count of obstruction of justice for allegedly lying to the grand jury when he testified he did not knowingly use performance-enhancing drugs. He's expected to plead not guilty.
Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland, who doesn't think Bonds would be a good fit for his team, said he spoke to the slugger about next season recently.
"I talked to him a couple of days ago and I think he wants to play," Leyland told the San Francisco Chronicle. "I certainly would like to see him play. Absolutely. I know he's been working out. I know he's in great shape. I don't know where the fit will be for him, but I certainly hope there's one."
Borris doesn't think any legal proceedings would prohibit Bonds from taking the field next season.
"Barry's legal situation should not conflict with the 2008 baseball season," Borris told the Web site.
Borris added that Bonds' numbers in 2007 prove his client is worthy of a major league roster spot.
Bonds, who earned $19.3 million last season, batted .276 with 28 home runs in just 340 at-bats. He also had 66 RBI and a .565 slugging percentage.
Noteworthy
* Kansas City finalized its $36 million, 3-year deal with outfielder Jose Guillen, who later in the day was suspended for the first 15 days of next season by Major League Baseball for violating its drug agreement.
* Washington agreed to a $1 million, 1-year deal with backup infielder Aaron Boone.
* Pittsburgh released infielder Jose Castillo, its former starting second baseman.
* The San Diego Padres have offered a 1-year contract to leftfielder Milton Bradley, who tore a knee ligament late last season when his manager spun him to the ground while trying to keep him from going after an umpire. *