Zambrano says he was misquoted in TV interview

MESA, Ariz. -- Carlos Zambrano backed off recent comments that he would leave the Chicago Cubs as a free agent after this season if he doesn't get a multiyear contract during spring training.

Although he would rather get a new deal done by opening day, the pitcher said Thursday he would be willing to negotiate next fall. He won't discuss a contract during the season, though.

"They have the first look," Zambrano said after the club's initial workout for pitchers and catchers. "I didn't say that if they don't sign me before the end of spring training I will not sign with the Cubs. I didn't say that. I just said they have till the beginning of the season; if not, I don't want to talk about [a] contract during the season."

But in an interview with WGN-TV this week, the Cubs' ace was adamant that he would leave as a free agent if he didn't have a multiyear contract by the opener.

"I want to sign with the Cubs before the season starts," he told the TV station. "If they don't sign me, sorry, but I must go. That's what Carlos Zambrano thinks."

Zambrano, who has an arbitration hearing scheduled for Tuesday, is seeking a deal similar to the seven-year, $126 million contract Barry Zito signed with San Francisco. But the Cubs are more inclined to sign him for five years.

Bonds signs contract

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Barry Bonds finally signed his $15.8 million, one-year contract Thursday, and the slugger is scheduled to report to spring training Monday.

That means he will likely participate in the Giants' first full-squad workout Tuesday.

Bonds' deal had been unresolved because of contract language. After much back and forth between the sides, the deal got done.

Lawyer pleads guilty

SAN FRANCISCO -- A Colorado lawyer pleaded guilty Thursday to obstructing justice by leaking secret grand jury documents to two reporters covering the government's probe of steroids in sports.

Troy Ellerman, 44, could be sent to prison for as long as two years and fined up to $250,000 for the convictions. His sentencing was scheduled for June 14. He also could lose his license to practice law.

-- The Associated Press