Giants fans bond with slugger

By wire services
Published April 6, 2005

SAN FRANCISCO - Barry Bonds received a 1-minute standing ovation from a sellout crowd and emphatically declared "I will be back!" when introduced before the Giants' opener Tuesday.

The injured slugger was presented with his record seventh NL MVP and Silver Slugger awards. He tipped his hat and waved in all directions to the crowd at SBC Park. At one point, appearing emotional, he buried his face in his hat.

"I'm speechless and I want to thank my family for being behind me for all these years," he said. "I thank God for the blessings he's given me to be able to play this game. Last but not least, I thank the city of San Francisco. I thank these fans."

Bonds is on the 15-day disabled list as he recovers from two operations on his right knee.

BLUE JAYS: Greg Myers, out most of last season with an ankle injury, was added to the roster as a backup for catcher Gregg Zaun.

CARDINALS: Rick Ankiel was placed on unconditional release waivers. Ankiel, who switched from pitcher to outfield during spring training, was out of options. The team said it hopes to send him to the minors if another team doesn't claim him.

INDIANS: All-Star catcher Victor Martinez agreed to a $15.5-million, five-year contract that includes a team option for 2010.

REDS: Utility player Ryan Freel was charged with suspicion of drunken driving after police arrested him Monday night in Bellevue, Ky.

KEOUGH ARREST: Former All-Star pitcher Matt Keough was arrested for investigation of drunken driving and leaving the scene of an accident. Monday night in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., Keough's sport utility vehicle rear-ended another SUV, pushing it into the crosswalk and causing it to strike a pedestrian, Orange County Sheriff's Department spokesman Jim Amormino said. The former Oakland pitcher fled on foot and was found later by sheriff's deputies, Amormino said.

[Last modified April 6, 2005, 01:07:18]