Royals’ Gonzalez to report today

? Juan Gonzalez will arrive at spring training behind most of his new teammates on the Kansas City Royals.

Position players were asked to report Wednesday, with the first full-squad workout set for today.

Royals general manager Allard Baird said Gonzalez would not arrive until today and his first workout would be Friday. The mandatory reporting date is not until next week.

“It is not an overly concerning issue or anything like that,” Baird said Wednesday. “I spoke to his agent, and Juan has family issues that he’s dealing with. I don’t want to go into details out of respect for Juan. It’s something personal. We know what’s going on. The reasons that were given to me, I’m very comfortable with.”

Gonzalez, a two-time American League MVP, signed a $4.5 million, one-year contract with the Royals that includes a team option for 2005.

The 34-year-old Gonzalez was hampered by injuries during the past two season with the Texas Rangers, playing in 82 games last season and only 70 in 2002.

Gonzalez is the only player on the Royals’ 40-man major league roster not yet in camp. Two non-roster players, pitcher Dennys Reyes and outfielder Alan Moye, have not yet reported. Reyes has been with his ailing father.

Snyder undergoes surgery

Surprise, Ariz. — Kansas City Royals right-hander Kyle Snyder will miss the season after surgery Wednesday to repair torn cartilage in his right shoulder.

Royals trainer Nick Swartz said Snyder will be able to start tossing a ball in four months and should be able to throw off a mound in six months. He said Snyder might be able to pitch in the Arizona Fall League, which usually begins in late September.

Swartz said Snyder’s arm would be in a sling for three weeks, and then he would return to the Royals’ spring training complex to begin range-of-motion exercises.

“Our overriding goal is for him to be healthy in 2005, but he’s going to miss all the competitive 2004 season,” Swartz said.

Union, players discuss tests

Mesa, Ariz. — Steroid testing was among the hot topics when the players’ association staff began its annual tour of spring training camps Wednesday. The Chicago Cubs’ camp was the first stop, and the steroid issue came up several times.

“We just went through with the players and reminded them what the procedures are,” said Michael Weiner, the No. 3 official in the players’ association.

Bonds scolds Wendell

Scottsdale, Ariz. — Barry Bonds chastised Colorado reliever Turk Wendell Wednesday for accusing him of using steroids.

A day after Wendell said it was “clear just seeing his body” that Bonds was taking steroids, the San Francisco Giants slugger said the remark should have been made directly to him — not a reporter.

“I heard about his comments. If you’ve got something to say, say it to my face,” Bonds said. “Don’t talk through the media. I’m not worried about him. I’m not worried about anyone. I have a lot of respect for Turk Wendell. I have a lot of respect for every baseball player in this game.”

Strawberry resigns post

Tampa, Fla. — Darryl Strawberry resigned as a player development instructor with the New York Yankees Wednesday to spend more time with church-related activities.