MLBPA Finds Evidence Of Violation In Owners' Not Pursuing Bonds

Bonds' Agent Convinced Slugger A "Victim Of Collusion"

MLBPA General Counsel Michael Weiner in an e-mail said an MLBPA investigation "yielded evidence of a Basic Agreement violation regarding [free agent LF] Barry Bonds and his post 2007 free agency," according to Murray Chass on his "On Baseball" blog. Weiner said, "The union and the Commissioner's Office have reached an agreement regarding the timing of the filing of any potential grievance. Any other comment at this time is not appropriate." A baseball official said that the MLBPA is waiting for Bonds "to get beyond the trial he faces on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice stemming from his grand jury testimony in the Balco case." Meanwhile, Bonds' agent, Jeff Borris, said he is "convinced that [MLB] will never let him put on a uniform ever again." When asked if Bonds was "a victim of collusion," Borris said, "There's not a doubt in my mind."  But MLB Exec VP/Labor Relations Rob Manfred said, "I am absolutely certain that there was no improper activity in the free-agent market following the 2007 season generally and I'm convinced that there was no improper activity with respect to Mr. Bonds." Chass noted last offseason no owner "was willing to meet with [Bonds] and Borris; no one made an offer." Also, no team "accepted the agent's proposal that Bonds would play for the major league minimum of $390,000." Borris: "No team shied away because of money reasons" (MURRAYCHASS.com, 10/16). Borris: "We have information right now that's evidentiary" (MLB.com, 10/16). Borris Thursday added, "There were numerous things that occurred that made me believe that the clubs were acting in concert. When I testify as a witness in the case, I will delineate each and every one of them" (ESPN.com, 10/16).