Barry Bonds in pinstripes? If nothing else, the New York Yankees talked about it.

High-ranking Yankees officials gathered for meetings at their spring training complex Thursday, a day off for the team before it begins an important three-game series Friday night in Boston.

Missing injured sluggers Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada, the Yankees discussed ways to improve for the stretch run as next Thursday's trade deadline approaches. After a three-hour meeting, co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner confirmed that one of the topics was the indicted home run king.

"We covered everything, including Bonds," Steinbrenner said.

Steinbrenner wouldn't say if the Yankees are interested in Bonds, but it appears unlikely the team will pursue him _ partly because it's so late in the season. The slugger, who turned 44 on Thursday, became a free agent when the San Francisco Giants did not bring him back this season.

A day before the All-Star game at Yankee Stadium last week, Bonds' agent, Jeff Borris, said the seven-time MVP had not received a single offer.

Borris previously said Bonds would be willing to play for a prorated share of the $390,000 minimum and donate his salary to buy tickets for kids.

In addition to Hank Steinbrenner, his brother, co-chairman Hal Steinbrenner, president Randy Levine, general manager Brian Cashman, special adviser Gene Michael and senior vice president of baseball operations Mark Newman were among those at the meetings.

Matsui has been on the disabled list since June 23 with a balky knee that could require season-ending surgery. Posada could also be looking at surgery for his right shoulder, after an MRI exam showed fraying in the tendons around the labrum.

Both are trying to rehab, and their progress over the next week could go a long way toward helping the club decide what moves to make before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. Continued...