Selig supports steroids legislation, not instant replay

Baseball commissioner Bud Selig supports revised congressional legislation that would suspend players for a half-season following a first failed steroids test.

Selig said negotiators for owners and players have made progress in talks but still haven’t reached an agreement on a new drug deal. The length of the initial penalty appears to be the biggest obstacle.

“While it’s preferable for us to solve our problems, if this goes ahead, then I said I’d support it, and I will,” he said Wednesday during a news conference after his annual address to general managers in Indian Wells, Calif.

Selig also maintained his opposition to using instant replay to review umpires’ calls, even while acknowledging that during the postseason there were “some incidents that certainly need to be looked at.”

Selig also said that a vote on the sale of the Washington Nationals won’t take place when owners meet next week.

Palmeiro offers explanation for failed drug test

Rafael Palmeiro took responsibility for his failed steroid test but offered a possible excuse hinging on a tainted vitamin shot, giving his first public explanation on the eve of a congressional report into whether he lied under oath.

In a statement released by his lawyers, the former Baltimore Orioles slugger said that a shot of vitamin B-12 he was given by a teammate and took in April “might have been the cause” of the positive test.

Guillen, Cox claim manager of year honors

Ozzie Guillen was selected American League Manager of the Year, rewarded for guiding the Chicago White Sox to a stellar season that culminated with a World Series title. Bobby Cox became the first back-to-back winner in either league, taking National League honors after leading the rookie-laden Atlanta Braves to yet another division title.

Notes

The Texas Rangers signed right-hander Rick Bauer and outfielder Adrian Brown to minor league contracts and invited them to spring training. … The St. Louis Cardinals declined a $15 million option on outfielder Larry Walker, who announced his retirement after the season but still will get a $1 million buyout. The team also picked up a $4 million option on pitcher Jeff Suppan.