MLB announces banning of andro

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Jun 26, 2004 | by ASSOCIATED PRESS

PHILADELPHIA -- With little fanfare, Major League Baseball and its players have banned the use of andro, the steroidlike substance made famous by Mark McGwire when he hit 70 home runs in 1998.

The ban, which began this season, was never announced by the commissioner's office or the players' association. Bob DuPuy, baseball's chief operating officer, referred to it Friday during a discussion at the annual meeting of the Associated Press Sports Editors.

"I think it's a good thing," Yankees pitcher Mike Mussina said later in the day in New York. "It's still one of many things to be done."

The Food and Drug Administration banned the sale of androstenedione as of April 12. Baseball's decision, confirmed by management lawyer Frank Coonelly and union lawyer Michael Weiner, took effect the same day and means players who test positive for andro face penalties, including suspensions after two positive tests.

AP: Indians to sign Boone

CLEVELAND -- Free-agent third baseman Aaron Boone has reached a tentative agreement on a two-year contract with the Cleveland Indians, The Associated Press learned Friday.

Boone, whose 11th-inning homer in Game 7 of the ALCS last season put the New York Yankees in the World Series, hasn't played since injuring his left knee during a basketball game in January.

The Indians, who outbid several other teams for Boone, plan to announce the signing this weekend if Boone passes his physical, according to two baseball sources who spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity.

Indians general manager Mark Shapiro confirmed the team was having contract talks with Boone.

Cleveland needs to make sure Boone's knee is sound before finalizing the deal.

/subhedK.C. goes on without Beltran

/uni8

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The day after the Kansas City Royals traded one of the finest players they ever developed, a handwritten message brought tears to manager Tony Pena.

Carlos Beltran, as he left the clubhouse for Houston, placed the note in Pena's office where he knew he would find it.

He just said, Thanks for everything,' Pena said. For your help, and for the friendship. With all my heart, you are the best manager I ever played for. God bless you and your family.

It was, Pena said, Tough. Very tough.

Everybody wanted Carlos to stay here. I want Carlos to stay here, Pena said. The front office wanted Carlos to stay here, but sometimes it is out of our hands and it is tough to deal with.>

Griffey honored for 500th

CINCINNATI -- Ken Griffey Jr. was honored Friday night for his 500th homer as fireworks greeted the replay of the blast he hit last Sunday.

Griffey gave the helmet he wore to a representative from the Hall of Fame, and his batting gloves to a representative from the Reds' Hall of Fame, which is scheduled to open later this season.

"This is exciting," Griffey said before the ceremony. "It's a lot of fun. It's one of those things that only happens once, and to be part of means a lot.

"For the organization to take the time to do this is pretty exciting," he added. "I'm just going to go out there and enjoy it. I'll try to go with the flow and not get in anybody's way."

/uni8

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Florida Marlins right-hander Josh Beckett was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained back muscle.

Beckett is 4-4 with a 3.86 ERA. He left a game June 17 against the Chicago White Sox in the fourth inning after feeling a pop in his back.