Feds wanted pitcher to wear wire in probe

PHOENIX -- Federal agents tried to pressure Jason Grimsley into wearing a wire during private conversations with other players to gather incriminating evidence against Barry Bonds, an attorney for the former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher said.

``It was a specific effort to target Bonds," Edward Novak told the Arizona Republic for a story yesterday. ``We were told that Jason's cooperation was necessary to their case."

Novak also told the newspaper that Grimsley denied volunteering names of fellow players, as reported in court documents released Tuesday. Instead, federal agents asked Grimsley what he knew about the illegal drug habits of specific athletes, such as former Mets and Phillies outfielder Lenny Dykstra.

``They asked him specifically about Barry Bonds, and Jason said he didn't know Bonds well and didn't know if he did or didn't use drugs," Novak said.

The attorney said investigators asked Grimsley whether he was close to any San Francisco Giants players who might talk about Bonds. Grimsley refused, Novak said, and told investigators ``baseball players don't go around talking about who is using and who isn't."

Novak did not immediately return after-hours calls left yesterday at his office by the Associated Press. Bonds, asked about Grimsley's situation before the Giants' game in San Francisco yesterday, refused to comment.

While Grimsley's lawyer said the righthander disputes much of what was in the affidavit released Tuesday, he did not deny past use of performance-enhancing drugs. ``He has admitted his past steroid use," Novak said.

Arizona released Grimsley Wednesday, a day after his home was searched by federal agents following his admission he used human growth hormone, steroids, and amphetamines. Grimsley's agent, Joe Bick, told the AP the revelations were likely to end the 38-year-old reliever's career.