SAN FRANCISCO — Federal prosecutors Wednesday released transcripts and recordings of voicemail messages Barry Bonds left for his former mistress during their nine-year relationship.
They don’t portray Bonds in a flattering light.
Most of the messages show Bonds angrily inquiring after Kimberly Bell’s whereabouts. Prosecutors say the recordings and transcripts are evidence of Bonds’ steroid use because the drugs supposedly induce rage in some users.
Both sides also agreed on an 18-page questionnaire prospective jurors will be asked to fill out as Bonds’ perjury trial gets underway Monday. The 63 questions will help lawyers and the judge seat an impartial jury.
Bell also is scheduled to testify that her relationship with Bonds was a stormy one marked by the slugger’s increasing verbal abuse. She also will tell the jury of physical changes she witnessed Bonds go through, such as male pattern baldness prosecutors attribute to steroid use.
Wainwright set for rehab
JUPITER, Fla. — Adam Wainwright reported to the Cardinals’ spring training for elbow rehab less than three weeks after undergoing reconstructive surgery.
Before undergoing exercises designed to improve range of motion, the 20-game winner was optimistic he’ll be ready to go next spring.
“I should be better than new,” Wainwright said. “Think about it. You get a year off to strengthen your body in every way, you get a year to think about the things you could have done differently, and you’ve got an all-new ligament in your arm.”
• Marty Marion, the brilliant shortstop and 1944 NL MVP with the Cardinals and a former manager of the Cardinals and St. Louis Browns, died Tuesday night in St. Louis. He was 93.
Footnotes.
Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain will play catch for the first time in four days today to test a strained muscle on his upper left side.
• Left-hander Jon Lester, who was 19-9 with a 3.25 ERA and 225 strikeouts last year, will get his first opening day start when the Red Sox play at Texas on April 1.
The Associated Press
