A member of a congressional panel investigating performance-enhancing drugs in baseball believes there’s little to be gained by having players testify at next month’s hearings.
“If we went back to every player, we would have to do research every morning, noon and night,” Rep. Christopher Shays told The Associated Press on Thursday. “There’s no way in my judgment we’re going to be able to focus on the past. Only a real court can do that.”
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has scheduled a Jan. 15 hearing featuring former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell, author of the recent report linking more than 80 baseball players, including seven MVPs and 31 all-stars, to steroids and other performance enhancers. Commissioner Bud Selig and union leader Donald Fehr are to attend.
Rep. Stephen Lynch, who serves on the panel, said no players were expected to appear then. The Massachusetts Democrat said the committee was not ruling out asking players to testify in the future if a “compelling reason” were to emerge. “We haven’t closed that door,” he said.
Shays wants to focus on finding the best way to rid baseball of banned drugs. The Connecticut Republican said the sport’s leadership deserves the brunt of the blame.
“Part of it is that major-league baseball has been incredibly passive on this issue to the point of condoning it,” he said.
Yankees, Hawkins finalize deal.
The New York Yankees finalized a $3.75 million, one-year contract with LaTroy Hawkins, strengthening their weak middle relief with the veteran right-hander.
Hawkins, who turned 35 last Friday, was 2-5 with a 3.42 ERA last season for the Rockies.
Astros sign outfielder Erstad.
Free-agent outfielder Darin Erstad signed a one-year contract worth $1 million plus incentives with the Houston Astros.
The 33-year-old Erstad, a two-time all-star in 11 seasons with the Angels, hit .248 with four home runs and 32 RBIs in 87 games last season for the Chicago White Sox.
He is a career .284 hitter with 118 home runs and 657 RBIs.
Royals sign catcher Olivo.
Catcher Miguel Olivo signed a one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals.
The 29-year-old was the Florida Marlins’ primary catcher the past two seasons and batted .237 in 2007.
Braves coach Beauchamp dies at 68.
Former major-league player and longtime Atlanta Braves coach Jim Beauchamp has died of leukemia. He was 68.
