The addition of Barry Bonds was discussed by Yankees' brass during organizational meetings on Thursday, Hank Steinbrenner confirmed to the Associated Press. Several high-ranking club officials convened on Thursday at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla., while the Yankees enjoyed a day of rest before opening a crucial three-game series at Fenway Park. With Thursday's non-waivers trade deadline approaching, the Yankees have need for an additional hitter after learning that they may be without Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada for the remainder of the season. No team has shown serious interest in adding Bonds, Major League Baseball's home run king on the field and federally indicted off of it, to their clubhouse in 2008. Steinbrenner said the Yankees "covered everything, including Bonds," according to the AP, but would not say if the Yankees were actually interested in Bonds. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman recently tiptoed around the topic of Bonds, saying that reports of "adding a player of that magnitude would be extremely premature." Part of the concern would be ensuring that the 44-year-old slugger could actually be prepared in game shape to make a contribution to a Major League club at this late point in the season.

The players on the Yankees would approve signing Barry Bonds, but the front office appears to have different ideas. "Although I think Barry would be a perfect fit in New York ... I'm not holding my breath,'' Bonds' agent Jeff Borris told SI.com. "If [Yankees GM] Brian Cashman has a change of heart, he knows where to get hold of me."

A Yankee official has called rumors that the Yankees are interested in signing free agent slugger Barry Bonds 'nonsense', according to The New York Daily News. Rumors have been swirling, with one web site, citing a "confidential clubhouse source," writing Thursday that Bonds and the Yankees were negotiating and "a consummation of the deal is anticipated forthwith."

The agent for Barry Bonds claims that there's little chance that the home run king will play this year, according to The Associated Press. Agent Jeff Borris admitted that reports about the Mets, Diamondbacks, and Red Sox showing interest in Bonds are not true.

The Yankees will not discuss contract extensions with either Mike Mussina or Jason Giambi during the season, according to a report in Newsday. Both players will become free agents this winter, but Hank Steinbrenner claims that no decisions will be made regarding their future until after the season is over.

After internal discussions, the Diamondbacks have opted against pursuing Barry Bonds to aid their slumping offense, according to The East Valley Tribune. They aren't interested in dealing for Rangers' outfielder/designated hitter Milton Bradley either despite numerous radio reports. "If we do something on offense, whose at-bats are we replacing?" GM Josh Byrnes said. "We would do something that makes sense, not do something just to do it." The D-Backs will need to replace left fielder Eric Byrnes? at-bats during second half of the season after learning Tuesday that he will likely miss the rest of the season because of a torn left hamstring.

The Diamondbacks have had internal discussions about signing free agent slugger Barry Bonds, according to The East Valley Tribune. The team learned on Tuesday that outfielder Eric Byrnes will most likely miss the remainder of the season because of a torn left hamstring. "(Bonds) and a couple of others are sitting out there," GM Josh Byrnes said. "I don't want to talk about him, specifically. There is no one obvious option. There are a lot of considerations."

The Red Sox are not interested in signing free agent home run king Barry Bonds, according to The Boston Globe. There were some rumors over the weekend that the team had brought Bonds in for a workout and that they were considering signing him to play designated hitter if David Ortiz was going to be out longer than expected. Boston General Manger Theo Epstein dismissed the speculation on Monday.

The Phillies and outfielder Pat Burrell are not currently discussing an extension, according to The Philadelphia Daily News. Burrell, who could be named to the National League All-Star roster if he wins the fan voting for the final spot, is in the final year of a six-year, $50 million contract.

Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer, who becomes eligible for free agency after the 2010 season, seems primed to make a lot more than he currently is, according to The Pioneer Press. He'll be just 27 years old when he hits the market and is a relative bargain right now at $6.5 million, considering his status as a two-time all-star. Mauer's market value could be $20 million a year just a few years from now. That number could increase if the Yankees, who are expected to be without aging Jorge Posada then, are able to bid for his services.