Bonds' defense will study cyclist's trial

Thomas also charged with perjury

This is the time of year when Barry Bonds should be studying opposing pitchers.

Instead, his spring job is to follow the moves of federal prosecutors during the perjury trial of former elite cyclist Tammy Thomas, which begins today with jury selection.

More than most, Bonds should have an interest in how Thomas' trial plays out. The home run king faces nearly identical charges arising from a federal investigation into a performance-enhancing drug distribution ring. The probe has ensnared track star Marion Jones and former San Francisco 49er Dana Stubblefield.

Eight people connected to the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative have pleaded guilty. Thomas is the first to go to trial.

Members of Bonds' defense team are expected to watch the trial intently from the gallery while scribbling on their legal pads -- just as they have during pretrial hearings in the Thomas case.

"It's a golden opportunity for them to watch a dress rehearsal for their trial," Golden Gate University law professor Peter Keane said.

Thomas is charged with five counts of perjury and one count of obstruction of justice for allegedly lying to a grand jury about her steroid use.

WEARY RED SOX PREPARE FOR REAL GAMES: The Red Sox finally have a very good reason to get out of bed.

The exhibition games are over. The regular season is about to start. And their jet lag is fading -- but still not gone.

"The last couple of days have been pretty rough," Tim Wakefield, master of the hypnotic knuckler, said Sunday. "My body's still adjusting, but I think last night was the first night I got a decent amount of sleep and not waking up four or five times during the night."

He was awake enough to do some sightseeing for the first time on the trip Sunday before he pitched 5 2/3 innings in that night's 9-2 victory over the Yomiuri Giants, returning to his hotel in a cab about five hours before the game.

The team will work out today in preparation for Tuesday night's major league season opener against Oakland, when former Seibu Lions great Daisuke Matsuzaka pitches for Boston. Joe Blanton is scheduled to pitch for the Athletics.

BRIEFLY: Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Chris Capuano was told Sunday that he has a torn ligament in his pitching elbow and will probably need Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career.

* Detroit Tigers center fielder Curtis Granderson was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday and will miss opening day. A finger on his right hand was broken Saturday.