Steroid THG Is Banned

Major League Baseball has banned THG, the recently unmasked steroid at the center of the case against the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative.

The health policy advisory committee of management and the players’ association unanimously determined last Thursday that THG builds muscle mass and should be added to baseball’s list of banned substances.

“Testing for THG is an important step toward reaching our goal of zero tolerance,” Commissioner Bud Selig said. “I am committed to that goal and advocate a more stringent and effective drug-testing program in the major leagues, similar to our program in the minor leagues.”

The Food and Drug Administration ruled Oct. 28 that THG, which stands for tetrahydrogestrinone, is an illegal drug.

Because baseball and other sports did not know about THG before last October, drug testing was unable to detect it.

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Eric Chavez, the Oakland A’s Gold Glove third baseman, is expected to finalize his extension -- thought to be worth $66 million over six years -- today after weeks of negotiations.

Chavez had 29 homers and 101 runs batted in last season -- his fourth in a row with at least 25 homers. Though Chavez wasn’t available for comment and the A’s wouldn’t say anything official, the team said it would make an important announcement today.

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A Massachusetts-based real estate developer has submitted a bid to move the Montreal Expos to Connecticut.

John Alevizos has organized a group of investors who want to buy the Expos and relocate the club to Connecticut.

The proposal was given to Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf, a member of the relocation committee. But it has not yet been forwarded to Bob DuPuy, baseball’s chief operating officer, or to officials in the commissioner’s office.

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Outfielder John Vander Wal agreed to a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds.