The correct spelling for 'CHUTZPAH' might just be.....

......BARRY BONDS or perhaps DONALD FEHR!

Union to examine why Bonds has no offers

By RONALD BLUM, AP Baseball Writer

The lack of offers to Barry Bonds will be examined by the baseball players' association as part of its annual review of the free-agent market. Less than two weeks before opening day, the 43-year-old home run king remains unsigned.

"He's in playing shape right now. He just hasn't hit off live pitching," Bonds' agent, Jeff Borris, said Tuesday. "I've had conversations with Barry. It would probably take him about two weeks to get ready."

Bonds was indicted in November on four counts of perjury and one count of obstruction of justice, charges stemming from 2003 grand jury testimony in which he denied knowingly using illegal performance-enhancing drugs. The seven-time NL MVP pleaded not guilty.

Tampa Bay acknowledged last month that it had internal discussions about the prospect of pursuing Bonds. St. Louis manager Tony La Russa had interest in Bonds but Cardinals management decided against opening talks.

Borris said Bonds was working out in the Los Angeles area. He wouldn't comment on the status of any negotiations.

"He wants to play," Borris said.

After speaking with the Los Angeles Angels during his annual tour of spring-training camps, union head Donald Fehr said his staff will examine possible collusion against Bonds and others.

"I haven't talked to him about it or his agents and I don't want to comment personally about it since I haven't had the opportunity to do that," he said.

Bonds hit .276 last year with 28 homers, 66 RBIs and a major league-leading 132 walks. He made $19.3 million, and the Giants decided to let him go after 15 seasons in San Francisco.

While he has slowed in the outfield during recent seasons, Bonds could make a potent designated hitter for an American League team. He has 762 homers — seven more than Hank Aaron's previous mark — and would be a box-office draw for a team with slow ticket sales.

On another topic, Fehr wouldn't say whether he thinks baseball commissioner Bud Selig will try to punish players implicated in the use of performance-enhancing drugs by former Senate majority leader George Mitchell. In his Dec. 13 report, Mitchell asked that Selig not impose discipline "except in those cases where he determines that the conduct is so serious that discipline is necessary to maintain the integrity of the game."

Yessirreee Bob! If I was a baseball owner, I'd be rushin' to offer a $20 million dollar contract to an over the hill, unpopular baseball player that's hittin' .276, can't field a ball, is under five federal indictments and possible league suspension or worse! You betcha Mr Fehr, It must be that 'collusion' stuff that's keepin' owners at bay! Let's sue somebody - anybody!!