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Baseball
Steroid users to get suspension, not fine
By wire services
Published March 21, 2005
NEW YORK - Baseball players and owners agreed Sunday to drop the possibility of fines for steroid use, leaving suspensions as the only discipline.
The fines were criticized by Congressmen during a hearing Thursday. Management said it was willing to eliminate the fine provision, held over from baseball's first drug-testing agreement in 2002, but union head Donald Fehr said he would have to consult with players.
Rob Manfred, baseball's executive vice president for labor relations, said Sunday that Fehr agreed to eliminate fines.
"It will be just the straight suspension, which everybody knew was going to happen anyway," Manfred said. "To the degree there was any doubt, I think this change should put to rest any concerns in that regard."
The deal amends a yet-to-be-finalized agreement players and owners announced Jan.13.
Baseball's new agreement had called for a 10-day suspension or up to $10,000 fine for a first positive test. A second was to result in a 30-day suspension or up to $25,000 fine, a third in a 60-day suspension or up to $50,000 fine and fourth in a one-year suspension or up to $100,000 fine.
Mets get Ishii from L.A.
VERO BEACH - The Mets acquired left-hander Kazuhisa Ishii from the Dodgers for catcher Jason Phillips.
The Mets lost Steve Trachsel for 3-6 months to back surgery. Ishii, 13-8 with a 4.71 ERA last year, will be the fifth starter. Phillips hit .218 with seven homers and 34 RBIs last year.
Also, the Mets sat second baseman Kaz Matsui for a second game because of back pain. He is day to day. And outfielder Cliff Floyd will miss a few more days to be with his wife and newborn son.
ANGELS: Kelvim Escobar said his right shoulder was pain-free after he threw 55 pitches in three innings. He gave up three hits and one run and struck out three. Escobar will have two more spring starts and possibly a minor-league start then take his turn in the rotation April9.
BRAVES: Rightfielder Raul Mondesi injured his hamstring while running out a double. He is expected to miss a few games but believes he will be ready for opening day.
ORIOLES: Jorge Julio pitched a scoreless inning in his first appearance. Julio, who lost his closers job last last year and reported to camp with a strained right forearm, gave up one hit.
RANGERS: Closer Francisco Cordero threw 20 pitches in a minor-league game and is expected to make his first appearance this week. Cordero, who reported to camp with a sore right shoulder, allowed a homer and single in one inning.
Also, Pedro Astacio, vying for a spot in the rotation, pitched in a Triple-A game against Milwaukee, giving up four hits and two runs, one earned, in 42/3 innings.
TIGERS: Dean Palmer, attempting a comeback after not playing since early 2003, left with a left biceps strain after fouling off a pitch. He is day to day.
SAN JOSE SEEKS TEAM: San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales plans to submit a proposal to baseball in hopes of attracting a team to the city, about 50 miles south of San Francisco. He did not specify if he seeks an expansion or existing team. San Francisco was given territorial rights to San Jose when the Giants moved from New York in 1958. Since then, the Giants and A's have inquired about moving there. Peter Magowan, Giants managing general partner, has consistently denied requests to forgo the rights.
[Last modified March 21, 2005, 01:51:06]
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