Selig calls for beefier penalties for steroids users

By wire services
Published May 1, 2005

NEW YORK - Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig asked players to agree to a 50-game suspension for first-time steroid offenders and a lifetime ban for a third violation under what he called a "three strikes and you are out approach" to doping.

In a letter sent this week to union head Donald Fehr, Selig proposed a 100-game ban for a second offense. He also asked the union to ban amphetamines, to have more frequent random tests and to appoint an independent person to administer the major-league testing program.

"Third offenders should be banned permanently. I recognize the need for progressive discipline, but a third-time offender has no place in the game," Selig wrote to Fehr.

Under the rules that started this season, a first offense gets a 10-day suspension, with the penalty increasing to 30 days for a second positive test, 60 days for a third and one year for a fourth. The penalty for a fifth is at the commissioner's discretion.

Baseball has no penalties for amphetamine use by players on 40-man major-league rosters. Amphetamines are banned for players under minor-league contracts.

"I am asking you now to demonstrate once again to America that our relationship has improved to the point that we can act quickly and effectively deal with matters affecting the integrity of our great sport," Selig wrote in the April 25 letter, a copy of which was obtained Saturday by the Associated Press.

Fehr said the union was not prepared to discuss Selig's proposal, adding he may reply early this week.

The Devil Rays had mixed reaction to the plan.

Outfielder Alex Sanchez, who was suspended 10 days as the initial violator of the new policy, said it sounded too severe to him.

"I think it's bad, too much," Sanchez said in Baltimore. "It's brutal. I don't know what the union is going to say."

Rays manager Lou Piniella said he was for tougher punishments.

"It's good," he said. "The stricter they get with these illegal substances the better, the better for baseball. The more level the playing field will be. I think anything they do in that regard is a positive move in the right direction - any deterrent."

Pitcher Mark Hendrickson said he expected tougher proposals but is concerned about players who unknowingly take substances. "You figured they would try to get stricter because of all the pressure from outside the sports world."

MARLINS: Closer Guillermo Mota will be placed on the 15-day disabled list today with an elbow injury. Tests on Mota's right elbow revealed inflammation. He is 0-1 with a 1.86 ERA and two saves in 10 games.

NATIONALS: Zach Day was replaced as the starter against the Mets because of an inner-ear infection. Tomo Ohka was given the start instead, and Day will take Ohka's spot in the rotation Tuesday against the Dodgers.

PHILLIES: Jim Thome left the rain-plagued game against Florida after four innings with lower back spasms. He was bothered by back problems during spring training and missed a game last weekend.

PIRATES: Catcher Benito Santiago refused a minor-league rehabilitation assignment and will keep working out with the team, a decision that could delay his return. He was eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list after a viral infection.

RED SOX: Infielder Kevin Youkilis was recalled from Pawtucket, and right-hander Tim Bausher was optioned to the Triple-A club. Youkilis was on Boston's opening day roster and played one game before being optioned to Pawtucket on April 13.

WHITE SOX: First baseman Ross Gload was put on the 15-day disabled list with a sore shoulder, and infielder Pedro Lopez was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte. Lopez gives the White Sox a backup infielder.

Times staff writer Marc Topkin contributed to this report, which used information from other news organizations.

[Last modified May 1, 2005, 00:00:10]