In Interview, Bonds Says His Life Is a ‘Shambles’

Seven home runs shy of passing Babe Ruth, this should be a time of unbridled joy and excitement for Barry Bonds.

Not so, he says.

“My life is in shambles. It is crazy,” Bonds said in an interview with the Associated Press. “It couldn’t get any crazier. I’m just trying to stay sane.”

Bonds appears unfazed at the plate. He’s 10 for 16 with four home runs in exhibition play despite being held out of San Francisco’s lineup for the third consecutive day because of a tender left elbow. Asked how he blocks out distractions, he says:

“What’s my job description? That’s what I’m doing at that time,” Bonds said. “No, I don’t forget [what is said]. I will never forget. I forgive you, but I don’t forget. I forgive everybody.”

Bonds talked about starting the season on the disabled list -- saying, “It could happen” -- but then added he “will” play in one of the Giants’ exhibition games in the Bay Area this week.

Bonds is scheduled to return to California today -- one day before the Giants officially break camp in Arizona -- and work out Wednesday in San Francisco.

“It’s fine,” Bonds said. “The knee is good.... My legs are fine. I just took a couple weeks off from training.”

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A former talk-show host for the Giants’ flagship radio station fired last year after making racial remarks about the team’s players settled a lawsuit with the station, KNBR-AM. Larry Krueger said he signed a confidentiality agreement that keeps him from disclosing the terms of his settlement.

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Boston reliever Julian Tavarez punched Tampa Bay outfielder Joey Gathright in the jaw after a play at the plate at Fort Myers, Fla.; no injuries were reported. ... The San Diego Padres announced that rookie Josh Barfield has won the starting job at second base.... Washington shortstop Cristian Guzman will miss the start of the season because of a right shoulder injury after he was put on the 15-day disabled list.... Kansas City pitcher Runelvys Hernandez will begin the year on the 15-day disabled list because of concerns about his weight and stamina. ... The Texas Rangers released first baseman Erubiel Durazo, who had surgery on his left elbow last July. ... An insurance claim filed by the Houston Astros to recoup more than $15 million owed to injured first baseman Jeff Bagwell has been denied.