Selig Would Back Steroid Legislation

Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig said Monday he would support federal legislation calling for two-year bans for first-time steroid offenses unless the Major League Baseball Players Assn. agrees to toughen the sport’s drug policy.

Selig proposed last month that starting in 2006, major league players be given 50-game suspensions for a first positive test for steroids, a 100-game penalty for a second positive test and a lifetime ban for a third. He also wants to ban amphetamines, which are not penalized under the major league policy.

The players’ association said it will discuss the proposal with management representatives. Baseball’s current steroids policy, agreed to in January, runs through the 2008 season.

Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) proposed “The Drug Free Sports Act” last month calling for penalties similar to the ones in the World Anti-Doping Agency code adopted by many Olympic sports: two years for a first offense and a lifetime ban for a second.

Selig is to testify Wednesday in front of the House Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection Subcommittee, chaired by Stearns. The commissioners of the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLS also are scheduled to testify.

“In the event that we are unable to achieve agreement with the MLBPA on this matter and I am left with no reasonable alternative to address this critical issue, I will support federal legislation, as it has been introduced by Congressman Stearns,” Selig said in a letter to fans posted on baseball’s website.

*

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays put right-hander Dewon Brazelton on the restricted list after he failed to report to triple-A Durham.

Brazelton had 72 hours to report to the Devil Rays’ top minor league club before he could be put on the restricted list. He will not be paid while on the list.

The Devil Rays’ opening-day starter, Brazelton lost his spot in the rotation after giving up five runs, four hits and six walks in a 5-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, his 11th defeat in his last 12 decisions.

Brazelton was 1-7 with a 6.43 earned-run average in eight starts.

*

Chicago Cub right-hander Carlos Zambrano had an MRI exam on his sore elbow and the team is unsure if he will make his next start.

Zambrano, scheduled to start against the White Sox on Friday, will throw on the side at Pittsburgh on Wednesday. It was not clear who would start if Zambrano is not available.

The elbow started bothering Zambrano during the fourth inning Saturday at Washington.

*

The New York Mets put catcher Ramon Castro on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained right quadriceps and purchased the contract of catcher Mike DiFelice from triple-A Norfolk.