Rays/MLB

Bonds still hopeful of staying in S.F.

By TIMES WIRES
Published August 21, 2006

SAN FRANCISCO - Barry Bonds' preference is simple: He wants to finish his career with the Giants.

"That's my choice, and you guys make it sound like it's our decision," Bonds said to reporters Sunday. "We don't make the final decision."

Given the day off after playing Friday and Saturday nights, Bonds discussed a number of issues as he sat in front of his locker.

Bonds, 42, is in the final season of a $90-million, five-year contract with San Francisco and knows he might have to go to the AL as a designated hitter next season, if he returns at all.

"I've been playing professionally for 21 years," he said. "I have to start thinking about things. I have to sit down with my family and my wife. There are a whole deal of mixed emotions."

The slugger's quest to top the home run list - he's 31 shy of Hank Aaron's 755 - has been slowed since three knee operations last year limited him to 14 games in 2005. Sometimes his back hurts too much to play.

"As far as playing every day, I can't do it," Bonds said. "I have to give my body at least 24 hours to recover. But I can still hit. I know what I can do on a baseball field. I can still play this game. I have no doubt in my mind."

METS BOOST PEN: Three years after Guillermo Mota brawled with the Mets, New York acquired the reliever from the Indians for a player to be named. Mike Piazza charged the mound after Mota hit him with a pitch March 12, 2003. Piazza later went looking in the Dodgers clubhouse for Mota, who also hit him in spring training 2002. The right-hander, 33, had a 6.21 ERA in 34 games for Cleveland.

A'S LOSE CLOSER: AL-West leading Oakland put Huston Street on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right groin. Manager Ken Macha said he was unsure when he might return. The right-hander, sixth in the AL with 29 saves, is scheduled for an MRI exam today.

REDS PEN TAKES HIT: Left-hander Eddie Guardado went on the 15-day disabled list with tendinitis in his left forearm. Guardado had converted eight of 10 save opportunities since Cincinnati, the NL wild-card leader, acquired him from Seattle on July 6.

TIGERS FILL INFIELD HOLE: Detroit acquired Neifi Perez from the Cubs for a minor-leaguer, adding infield depth less than a week after losing second baseman Placido Polanco to a shoulder injury.

ROOKIE REHABBING: Twins left-hander Francisco Liriano looked "as good as can be anticipated" when evaluated by team doctors and is set to begin a throwing program Tuesday. Liriano, 22, has been on the disabled list since Aug. 11 with a mildly strained ligament in his pitching arm.

PAVANO PITCHES: Yankees right-hander Carl Pavano allowed one earned run in four innings for Double-A Trenton in a minor-league rehab start. Pavano had surgery in May for a bone chip above his right elbow.

[Last modified August 21, 2006, 01:58:24]