Sheffield Implicated in Book

Gary Sheffield of the New York Yankees injected testosterone and ingested human growth hormone before the 2002 season, using similar drugs and schedules as Barry Bonds, according to the book, “Game of Shadows.”

Sheffield also acquired the designer steroids “the cream” and “the clear” from Bonds’ trainer, Greg Anderson, according to the authors, drugs Sheffield later said he did not realize were steroids.

The book claims the information, including a calendar kept by Anderson, came from a 2003 grand jury hearing in which Sheffield testified.

Asked specifically if he used HGH, for which Major League Baseball does not test, Sheffield told reporters in Tampa, Fla., “Nope.”

He said he would not make any effort to clear his name, such as sue for libel.

“What can I do?” he said. “I’m not going to defend myself my whole life. If that’s what you want, it really doesn’t matter to me.

“I’ve been over that and moved on to another place.”

Former players Benito Santiago, Bobby Estalella, Armando Rios, Marvin Benard and Randy Velarde, along with current Yankee Jason Giambi, also allegedly received steroids from Victor Conte’s Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative.

Commissioner Bud Selig is expected to announce next week an investigation into Bonds’ alleged use of steroids, according to baseball sources, who said Selig probably will employ an outside agency to conduct the inquiry. The investigation could broaden to other players as well.

Selig, again under congressional pressure to conduct an investigation, said Wednesday he had not yet settled on a course of action.

“I’m going over a lot of options,” he said, “considering a lot of different stuff.”

-- Tim Brown

New York Met right-hander Pedro Martinez, who has not pitched this spring, expects to sit out opening day because of a sore right big toe.

Left-hander Tom Glavine probably will start the opener.

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Two days after refusing to take his new spot in the outfield, Alfonso Soriano of the Washington Nationals relented and caught a routine fly ball before throwing to second base to double up David Eckstein in his only chance in left field in an exhibition against St. Louis.

“It’s a relief for everybody, it really is,” Manager Frank Robinson said of Soriano’s move from second base.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals gave troubled pitcher Sidney Ponson their fifth starting spot when they optioned prospect Anthony Reyes to triple A.

Ponson’s off-the-field troubles in Maryland also ended this week when prosecutors said they had dropped a false-statement charge against him.