Sweeney Eager to Get Past Bonds Incident

San Francisco Giants' Barry Bonds rounds second base on his way to third on a Ray Durham double against the Washington Nationals in the fourth inning of a baseball game in Washington, in this July 26, 2006 file photo.. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson) (Lawrence Jackson - AP)

"From my side, I was hoping that (would happen). I understood that's what needed to happen," Sweeney said. "It's over and done with for now and we can move on. We can start talking about baseball. It's something that's said and it's unbelievable. You shake it off. ...

"I treat everyone the same way. I respect Barry just as much as I respect Noah Lowry and Matt Cain and the rest of the guys. Did I have a good relationship with him? Yes. Was it cordial? Yes. Did I hang out with him? No."

The 42-year-old Bonds is set to begin his 22nd major league season only 22 home runs from breaking Hank Aaron's career home run record of 755. He will again deal with questions about whether his pursuit was fueled by steroids. Bonds has repeatedly denied using performance-enhancing drugs.

The Giants said they had heard nothing of a positive test by Bonds for amphetamines, banned by baseball for the first time in 2006. A second failed test results in a 25-game suspension, compared to 50 games for a first failed steroids test.

It could become a topic of conversation in contract negotiations between Bonds and the Giants. They came to agreement on a $16 million, one-year contract Dec. 7, but the seven-time NL MVP still hasn't signed the deal or taken the mandatory physical that is part of the process.

Language in the deal is still being worked out, dealing with Bonds' compliance with team rules and what would happen if he were to be indicted or have other legal troubles.

A federal grand jury is investigating whether the slugger perjured himself when he testified in 2003 that he had never knowingly taken steroids.

Sweeney, a career role player, has always preferred to stay out of the spotlight.

"Barry's statement coming out, I appreciate him saying it because it's the truth," he said. "You move on from there. I'm ready to get past that. A lot of people are trying to drum up more things.

"I know who I am and am very comfortable with what I am."