Baseball notebook: Giants–Bonds pact put on hold

Barry Bonds’ contract with the San Francisco Giants isn’t final just yet.

After the commissioner’s office rejected Bonds’ $15.8 million, one-year deal because it contained a personal-appearance provision, the team Wednesday sent revised documents to his agent, Jeff Borris.

“At this time, Barry is not signing the new documents,” Borris said.

Baseball’s Uniform Player Contract states a player “agrees to cooperate with the club in any and all reasonable promotional activities.” Bonds’ contract had additional language that the commissioner’s office rejected.

Borris did not detail the provisions in dispute, but a baseball executive, speaking on condition of anonymity because these details had not been made public, said they dealt with personal appearances.

It was not clear whether Bonds must sign a new contract or whether the one he already signed would be accepted with the troublesome language eliminated.

Schilling wants contract

Boston Red Sox ace Curt Schilling said he isn’t looking for a raise now that he’s decided to pitch in 2008 – he just wants a contract.

If he doesn’t have an extension by the end of spring training, Schilling said he won’t negotiate during the season and will become a free agent for the first time in his career after the 2007 World Series.

The six-time All-Star announced earlier this week that he would return in 2008 after previously saying the 2007 season could be his last.

Yanks will go out in style

Yankee Stadium is going out with an All-Star salute.

The beloved old ballpark will host the 79th major league All-Star game on July 15, 2008, the final season before the New York Yankees move into a new stadium being built across the street in the Bronx.

It will be the fourth All-Star game at Yankee Stadium, which opened in 1923 and underwent an extensive renovation in the mid-1970s. The most recent summer showcase in The House That Ruth Built was in 1977.

Clemens ‘fails’ at retirement

Roger Clemens talked about his plight and laughed.

“I’m failing at retirement,” he said. “Let’s just face it. I’m failing miserably at it.”

The 44-year-old right-hander, unsure whether to retire or return for a 24th major league season, will choose among his hometown Houston Astros, the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, should he decide to play.

Around the league

The Yankees have offered former All-Star outfielder Bernie Williams a minor league contract and an invite to spring training. … New York Mets pitcher Dave Williams had surgery to repair a herniated disk in his neck. The team also agreed to a minor league contract with outfielder Ruben Sierra and invited him to spring training. … Right-hander Mark Prior and the Chicago Cubs agreed on a one-year, $3,575,000 deal. … The Milwaukee Brewers signed right-hander Jose Capellan to a one-year contract.