Thursday, March 24, 2011

Bonds' defense paints accusers as embittered

Times wires
Tuesday, March 22, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO — With prosecutors saying Barry Bonds lied about using steroids, the home run king's lead attorney started picking at the government's case Tuesday, attacking witnesses expected to accuse Bonds of willfully taking drugs to make him a better hitter.

Defense lawyer Allen Ruby said in his opening statement that a former Bonds girlfriend, a former business partner and a former personal shopper only came forward against his client after the star broke off relationships with them.

He also insisted Bonds testified truthfully before a grand jury in December 2003 when he said he did not know he was using two designer steroids. Bonds claims his trainer told him that he was taking "flaxseed oil" and "arthritic cream."

Federal agent Jeff Novitzky became the first witness to testify, saying Bonds' grand jury account differed with other facts. And Bonds' former trainer, Greg Anderson, again refused to testify and returned to jail.

COX HONORED: The Braves plan to retire former manager Bobby Cox's No. 6 on Aug. 12 before a home game against the Cubs. Cox is the first to have his number retired by the Braves only for his accomplishments as a manager.

ANGELS: First baseman Kendrys Morales was shut down because of soreness on the ball of his left foot. Morales is trying to come back from a broken leg that cost him most of 2010.

D'BACKS: Manager Kirk Gibson named right-hander Barry Enright the team's fifth starter, beating out right-hander Armando Galarraga.

GIANTS: Closer Brian Wilson, sidelined by a mildly strained oblique muscle in his left side, might begin playing light catch today and said he expects to be ready by opening day.

MARINERS: Manager Eric Wedge named Brendan Ryan his starting shortstop, moving Jack Wilson from shortstop to second base.

MARLINS: Rightfielder Mike Stanton, out since Feb. 27 with a strained quadriceps, said he hopes to make his spring debut Thursday. … Rookie third baseman Matt Dominguez was sent home with a stomach virus.

METS: Rightfielder Carlos Beltran said he felt no pain in his ailing knees after playing two minor-league games. … Former Rays right-hander Jason Isringhausen resumed throwing after being sidelined three days with right elbow inflammation. … Centerfielder Angel Pagan left after one inning with lower back tightness.

NATIONALS: Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman fielded grounders and hopes to return from a groin injury Friday.

TIGERS: Will Rhymes was named the opening day second baseman over Scott Sizemore. Starter Carlos Guillen remains out with an injured left knee.

TWINS: Right-hander Scott Baker was named the No. 5 starter, with right-hander Kevin Slowey headed to the bullpen.

WHITE SOX: Two days after being shut down with shoulder tendinitis, starter Jake Peavy played catch for about 5 minutes and said he felt good.

Source: http://www.tampabay.com/sports/bonds-defense-paints-accusers-as-embittered/1159020

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