Zero contract offers ... collusion??? ... players union smells a rat

Fehr says union will investigate why no Bonds offers as it examines free-agent market

By RONALD BLUM, AP Baseball Writer

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP)—The lack of offers to Barry Bonds will be examined by the baseball players’ association as part of its annual review of the free-agent market.

Less than two weeks before opening day, the 43-year-old home run king remains unsigned.

“He’s in playing shape right now. He just hasn’t hit off live pitching,” Bonds’ agent, Jeff Borris, said Tuesday. “I’ve had conversations with Barry. It would probably take him about two weeks to get ready.”

Bonds 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 seven-time NL MVP pleaded not guilty.