Times wires
Thursday, March 31, 2011
SAN FRANCISCO — Barry Bonds' former personal shopper became the first and only one of the government's 23 witnesses at his perjury trial to say she saw the all-time home run leader receive an injection from his trainer.
Bonds is charged with making false statements in telling a federal grand jury in 2003 that he never knowingly used steroids and human growth hormone and only physicians injected him.
Kathy Hoskins testified Thursday that the scene unfolded at Bonds' bay area home in 2002. As part of her job, she packed his clothes for road trips. Greg Anderson, Bonds' trainer, came into the bedroom as she was filling a suitcase, she said.
"Barry was like, 'Let's do it right here,' " she said. " 'This is Kathy. That's my girl. She ain't going to say nothing to nobody.' So Greg shot him in the belly button."
Hoskins said she didn't ask about the injection, but Bonds volunteered it was "a little something, something for when I go on the road. You can't detect it. You can't catch it."
Also Thursday, Bonds' physician Arthur Ting, contradicted the testimony of Steve Hoskins, Kathy Hoskins' brother and Bonds' former business partner. Steve Hoskins told the jury last week he had as many as 50 discussions about Bonds' alleged steroid use with Ting. Hoskins also testified Ting told him Bonds' 1999 elbow injury, which required surgery, was caused by taking steroids. But Ting repeatedly denied Hoskins' accounts under cross-examination.
There is no session today, and prosecutors could conclude their case Monday.
Zito crash: Giants LHP Barry Zito showed up at Dodger Stadium wearing a neck brace after his car was broadsided at a Los Angeles intersection. Manager Bruce Bochy said an MRI exam will be scheduled, but he is optimistic Zito will make his scheduled start Sunday. The crash, still under investigation, occurred late Wednesday night, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office said. It said Zito was not at fault but did not provide details other than the other driver was not hurt. It added the pitcher was taken to a hospital "just to be checked out."
Blue Jays: Roberto Alomar was hired as a special assistant. The former second baseman, who this summer will become the first player inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Blue Jay, will be involved with baseball operations and community efforts.
Indians: OF Trevor Crowe had right shoulder surgery and will miss at least four months.
Mets: LF Jason Bay will start the season on the DL because of a strained left rib cage. The move is backdated to March 25, so he'll be eligible to return April 9.
Rangers: RHP Brett Tomko, trying to come back from a nerve injury in his right arm that has kept him out of the majors since 2009, was assigned to Triple A. He turns 38 next week.
Rockies: 3B Ian Stewart's left hamstring felt good enough that he avoided starting the season on the DL. That meant OF Willy Taveras was released.
Brooks hospitalized: Hall of Fame 3B Brooks Robinson was hospitalized Wednesday night with a fever and infection. The former Oriole, 73, said he is "responding well to antibiotics."
Tobacco ban: Commissioner Bud Selig said he wants to ban smokeless tobacco in the majors. Smokeless tobacco, including dip and chew, is banned in the minors. Banning it in the majors requires an agreement with the players. Union chief Michael Weiner has previously said he expects the subject to be broached during the upcoming labor talks.