Bonds: Mood good after knee is drained

By wire services
Published April 24, 2005

SAN FRANCISCO - Barry Bonds had fluid drained from his right knee last week and expects to resume his rehabilitation next week.

The Giants slugger, who has not been speaking to the media, announced the development on his Web site Saturday.

"I had some fluid drained out of my right knee because there was a little bit of swelling," it said. "My doctor wants me to use crutches for the next couple of days to make sure the fluid doesn't come right back. This was merely a precautionary measure. My spirits are still high about my recovery as a whole."

Bonds said he would continue giving updates at www.barrybonds.com

The Giants' training staff also has stopped giving updates on Bonds, who had a second arthroscopic surgery on his knee on March 17. No timetable has been set for his return.

In court documents and interviews, former associates allege that in 1993, during Lenny Dykstra's best season, he was involved in steroid use and illegal gambling. Dykstra finished second to Barry Bonds for MVP and led the Phillies to the World Series that season.

A longtime friend and business partner is suing Dykstra in Ventura County, seeking to regain an interest in their southern California car wash business. Lindsay Jones, 42, alleges that Dykstra advised him to bet thousands of dollars with a bookmaker on selected Phillies games in 1993.

Jones said in a sworn statement that his baseball wagers were a form of payment to him.

Dykstra's lawyer, Daniel Petrocelli, said Dykstra, 42, "absolutely denies" the allegation.

The suit includes a sworn declaration from a Florida bodybuilder - a convicted drug dealer - who said Dykstra paid him during an eight-year association to "bulk up" Dykstra's slight build. Jeff Scott said he injected Dykstra with steroids "more times than I can count."

Petrocelli said that the steroid allegation was not "reliable or credible."

CUBS: The contract of former Rays outfielder Ben Grieve was purchased from Triple-A Iowa. He hit .308 with four home runs, two doubles and 10 RBIs in 11 games this season with Iowa. Infielder Mike Fontenot, acquired in the Sammy Sosa trade, was sent down.

NATIONALS: Tomo Ohka (1-3) lasted just three-plus innings in another erratic start. He has walked 15 and struck out seven in 20 innings. "He says he's fine. My instincts tell me better," manager Frank Robinson said. "I'd be willing to stake a little bit of my reputation in this game ... that he's hurt." Asked if he was hurt, Ohka conceded "a little bit."

YANKEES: Shortstop Derek Jeter tied a career high with three walks against the Rangers. ... Yankees relievers had pitched 142/3 scoreless innings before Laynce Nix's run-scoring single.

[Last modified April 24, 2005, 01:03:20]