Times wires
Monday, March 21, 2011
SAN FRANCISCO — Barry Bonds finally sat across the courtroom Monday from the 12 people who will judge whether the greatest home run hitter of all time lied about knowingly taking performance-enhancing drugs.
After a daylong selection process, eight women and four men were picked to hear the federal government's case against the former Giants star, 46, who is charged with four counts of lying to a grand jury and one count of obstruction for his 2003 grand jury testimony.
Among the jurors there was no shortage of opinion on steroids or drugs in sports, though all indicated they could rule impartially in the case of Bonds.
Juror No. 69 was angered Congress investigated steroids in sports "on my dime."
"They should be solving things like the national debt," he said.
He made it onto the panel, even though he said Bonds had "probably not (received) a fair trial in the court of public opinion."
ANGELS: Right-hander Joel Pineiro, who left Sunday's game after two innings with back tightness, said he didn't feel any lingering pain.
ASTROS: Right-hander Nelson Figueroa, 36, was named the fifth starter, beating out right-handed prospect Jordan Lyles, 20.
DODGERS: Third baseman Casey Blake might not be ready for opening day because of a slow recovery from a rib injury.
INDIANS: Right-handed reliever Jensen Lewis, who posted a 2.97 ERA in 37 games last season, was placed on waivers.
METS: Left-hander Oliver Perez was released two days after he allowed consecutive home runs to minor-leaguers. The team chose to absorb the $12 million remaining on Perez's $36 million, three-year contract.
NATIONALS: Top prospect Bryce Harper sprained his left ankle running the bases during an intrasquad minor-league game and was carted off. The rightfielder was listed as day to day.
PIRATES: Left-hander Scott Olsen is no longer in the starting rotation mix and could begin the season on the disabled list with a strained left hamstring. … Veteran infielder Garrett Atkins was released.
RED SOX: Outfielder Darnell McDonald left the game against the Phillies with a jammed right thumb.
REDS: Right-hander Johnny Cueto will miss the start of the season because of an inflamed pitching shoulder, forcing the team to juggle its rotation.
ROYALS: Right-hander Luke Hochevar, who was 6-6 with a 4.81 ERA in 18 games last season, was picked to start the opener March 31 against the Angels.
TWINS: Joe Mauer, who had offseason knee surgery, started at catcher for the second time this spring and played six innings. … Rightfielder Michael Cuddyer, out since having a wart on his left foot removed March 1, is expected to make his spring debut Wednesday night.
