Bonds still unemployed with spring training around corner

Illston, who's hearing all cases related to the BALCO steroids ring, is scheduled to hear from Bonds' legal team Feb. 29.

A trial likely wouldn't begin until after this baseball season, but teams still appear hesitant to bring the 14-time All-Star aboard with his legal problems lurking.

The A's, meanwhile, have all but said they're out of the picture for the left fielder. They are now in full-on rebuilding mode.

"I don't comment on free agents," Oakland general manager Billy Beane told a crowd late last month at A's Fan Fest. "I think we've defined our direction. That's probably the best answer I can give you."

Oakland traded away ace Dan Haren to Arizona in December, and popular outfielders Nick Swisher and Mark Kotsay were dealt last month, all for lesser-known players or prospects.

Some Giants are having a tough time picturing the clubhouse without Bonds at his corner spot watching TV, asleep on a couch, or strolling onto the field later than the rest of the group to stretch before a game. But that will be reality next week. The team's pitchers and catchers report to their spring facility in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Wednesday.

"It's going to be different without him here, but it's also going to be great to have the personalities of (Barry) Zito and (Aaron) Rowand come in and be able to take over the clubhouse," infielder Kevin Frandsen said. "And I hope they do, and make it fun. The game we play is fun."