UNION TO PROBE LACK OF OFFERS FOR BARRY BONDS: Opening day is two weeks away and slugger is still unsigned

As part of its annual review of the free agent market, the Baseball Players Association plans to examine the lack of offers to Barry Bonds, who remains a free agent less than two weeks before the new season is scheduled to begin.


"He's in playing shape right now. He just hasn't hit off live pitching," Bonds' agent, Jeff Borris, told the Associated Press. "I've had conversations with Barry. It would probably take him about two weeks to get ready."


Bonds, 43, was indicted in November on four counts of perjury and one count of obstruction of justice, charges stemming from 2003 grand jury testimony in which he denied knowingly using illegal performance-enhancing drugs. The home run king and seven-time NL MVP pleaded not guilty.

Tampa Bay showed early interest in Bonds, acknowledging it had internal discussions about pursuing the former San Francisco Giants star last month. St. Louis manager Tony La Russa also had interest in the slugger but Cardinals management decided against opening talks.

Union head Donald Fehr said his staff will examine possible collusion against Bonds and others.

"We always look at the free-agent markets every year and make judgments about them, and if we come to the conclusion with respect to any player that there's a matter worth pursuing, we'll pursue it," he said. "But I'm not going to make any suggestions or accusations unless and until we come to that conclusion."

Hmm....I wonder why? What do you think?