BASEBALL Bonds lashes out at reporters

The Giants slugger sidestepped questions about steroids.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Barry Bonds angrily sidestepped questions about his role in baseball's steroid scandal upon his arrival at spring training Tuesday, pronouncing himself weary but ready to begin his pursuit of Hank Aaron's home run record.
In the 40-year-old Bonds' first public comments since his grand jury testimony was leaked to the San Francisco Chronicle and reported in December, he had nothing to say about it, citing legal constrictions. But he had harsh words for the media and fans still consumed by the circumstances of his record-setting home run binge.
"You guys are like re-running stories," Bonds said to the huge group of reporters in attendance. "This is old stuff. It's like watching 'Sanford and Son.' It's almost comical, basically. Are you guys jealous, upset, disappointed, what?"
The San Francisco Giants slugger, who has 703 homers, is on the verge of catching Babe Ruth, who is second on baseball's career list with 714. Aaron is first with 755.
Bonds, dressed casually in a black shirt and jeans, was asked whether he thinks using steroids is cheating.
"I don't know what cheating is," he said. "I don't believe steroids can help your eye-hand coordination, technically hit a baseball. I just don't believe it. That's my opinion."
Bonds said the key to his continued success and strength even in the later years of his career has been "hard work, that's about it."
No nice words
He repeatedly refused to speak directly about BALCO, but he castigated everyone from the media to Jose Canseco, whose recently released book described a rampant culture of steroid abuse in baseball. Canseco has said he used steroids with several teammates, including Mark McGwire.
"I don't know Canseco, besides hello and good-bye. I don't put any weight into what he says," Bonds said. "Mark McGwire was a big boy in college. To me, Canseco, you've got to come with a whole lot more. ... It's to make a buck, that's all it is.
"I don't know Jose. I was better than Jose then, and I've been better than him his whole career. If he wants to go make money, go ahead. ... For somebody who brags about what he did, I don't see any of your records."
Bonds rolled into the Giants' training complex on the day position players were due to report. After he hopped out of his SUV and made his way into the stadium, he waved twice at the 50 or so fans there to greet him. Later, on his way out, Bonds signed autographs for about 10 minutes. He has been appreciative of the fans' and their support this off-season.
More scrutiny
Bonds believes he's being scrutinized more since he's closing in on Ruth's record.
"Because Babe Ruth is one of the greatest baseball players ever, and Babe Ruth ain't black, either," he said. "I'm black. Blacks, we go through a little more. ... I'm not a racist though, but I live in the real world. I'm fine with that."
The seven-time NL MVP is entering his 20th major league season. Bonds drew 232 walks last season, 34 more than the record he set in 2002 and more than 100 more than anyone in baseball. His 120 intentional walks shattered the mark of 68 that he set in 2002.
Bonds will be limited for a while.
He's had arthroscopic surgery on both knees since last season ended, including an operation on his right knee Feb. 1 that will keep him out of games until at least mid-March.
Bonds said he wasn't sure if he'd be ready for opening day.