San Francisco Giants' left fielder Barry Bonds waves to fans as he arrives at Scottsdale (Ariz.) Stadium for his first spring training baseball workout today. At left is Bonds' publicist, Rachel Vizcarra. Eric Risberg | Associated Press

Noticeably absent were his two personal trainers, Greg Oliver and Harvey Shields, who no longer can be with the San Francisco slugger at the ballpark. Bonds, who spent the weekend in Las Vegas for the NBA All-Star game, was flanked by his two publicists and a Major League Baseball security guard assigned to him.

He joked with new teammate Barry Zito in their corner space of the clubhouse, then the 42-year-old Bonds made his way through the room and greeted outfielder Jason Ellison, infielder Rich Aurilia and pitcher Matt Morris. Clubhouse staff headed his way with undershorts and hats.

Bonds took part in a team meeting before walking to the field for the Giants' first full-squad workout. He was scheduled to hold his annual spring media address afterward. He begins his 22nd major league season, and 15th with San Francisco, needing only 22 home runs to break Hank Aaron's career record of 755.

''It's going to be interesting to see how this shakes out,'' new center fielder Dave Roberts said of the Bonds' hype. ''We'd be naive not to think he's going to be a big part of this team. He wants to win as much as anybody.''