Sports briefs

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Feb 12, 2008 | by Compiled

MLB: Rocker says he failed drug test

John Rocker claims he flunked a drug test ordered by Major League Baseball in 2000 and that he, Alex Rodriguez and other Texas Rangers were advised by management and union doctors following a spring training lecture on how to effectively use steroids.

"Bud Selig knew in the year 2000 John Rocker was taking the juice," the former pitcher said Monday of the baseball commissioner on Atlanta radio station 680. "Didn't do anything about it."

Rocker was suspended for the first 14 days of the 2000 season by Selig for making racial and ethnic remarks the commissioner deemed insensitive. The penalty, originally set to cover 28 days, was reduced by an arbitrator following a grievance.

Pettitte negotiating to skip hearing

Andy Pettitte's lawyer has been in discussions with congressional staff to have the New York Yankees pitcher dropped from the witness list at a House committee hearing about Roger Clemens.

The sides were talking into Monday evening, two people familiar with the committee's work tell The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because no decision has been made.

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is holding a hearing Wednesday to look at Clemens' denials of allegations -- made in the Mitchell Report by his former trainer -- that the seven- time Cy Young Award winner used steroids and human growth hormone.

Pettitte gave a sworn deposition to committee staff last week, as did Clemens and trainer Brian McNamee.

Mientkiewicz to Pirates

First baseman Doug Mientkiewicz, who caught the final out in 2004 that gave the Boston Red Sox their first World Series championship in 86 years, agreed Monday to a minor-league contract Monday with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Trachsel joins Orioles

Steve Trachsel agreed to a minor-league contract with the Baltimore Orioles, who turned to a familiar face to add much-needed experience to their starting rotation.

NHL: Senators acquire Stillman

The Ottawa Senators have acquired forward Cory Stillman and defenseman Mike Commodore from the Carolina Hurricanes for forward Patrick Eaves and defenseman Joe Corvo.

Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford says Stillman waived a no-trade clause to complete the deal.

He and Commodore will each be unrestricted free agents at the end of the summer.

NFL: Steelers staying with grass

The Heinz Field maintenance crew won't be throwing away those "Keep Off The Grass" signs after all.

The Pittsburgh Steelers gave in to their players' wishes and will keep their grass field, though it may not necessarily be the field that is currently in place.

While the Heinz Field surface is regularly rated by NFL players as one of the league's worst, a large number of Steeler players lobbied the team to keep the grass because they are convinced it reduces injuries.

Timpanogos advances in prep hockey

Timpanogos defeated Park City 3-1 Monday night at the Salt Lake City Sports Complex to narrow the field of competitors in the double- elimination Utah high school hockey state championship tournament to three teams.

The Timberwolves will face East tonight at the Peaks Arena in Provo. Face off is set for 8:45 p.m.

The winner advances to the state finals and a date with Brighton Wednesday night at the Salt Lake City Sports Complex. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. and admission is free. Should the Bengals lose, the same two teams will meet again Thursday at 6 p.m. in Provo to determine the state championship.

Sandy man wins in Squaw Valley

Sandy's Louie Vito won the John Paul Mitchell Systems snowboard halfpipe competition at 48Straight in Squaw Valley, Calif., this weekend.

Elena Hight of South Lake Tahoe, Calif., captured the women's title.