SPRING TRAINING ROUNDUP \ News and notes

Steroids: On the first day of baseball's new era of drug testing, Steve Howe of all people happened to be in the New York Yankees clubhouse. Suspended seven times by baseball in an era when the sport's focus was on cocaine use, Howe supports the new program in order for the sport to clear the cloud. He knows what it is to be in the glare of the spotlight and under suspicion. "I was one of the first to be fried and tried," he said. All of baseball seemingly has to prove its innocence, which is why players agreed to the new deal, which calls for more testing, additional banned performance-enhancing substances and a 10-day suspension for a first offense. Several players on the Florida Marlins were tested on the first day. "I think most guys are relieved something's getting done so the majority don't get thrown into the mud because of the minority," third baseman Mike Lowell said in Jupiter. Added Carlos Delgado, who like Lowell was not among those asked to provide a sample: "They can test me every day." As the first tests were being taken, a congressional committee scheduled a hearing for March 17 on the new drug-testing agreement, which hasn't even been finalized. Among those invited to testify were Jose Canseco, Jason Giambi, Mark McGwire, Curt Schilling, Sammy Sosa, Rafael Palmeiro, Frank Thomas, commissioner Bud Selig and players' association head Donald Fehr. "There's a cloud over baseball, and perhaps a public discussion of the issues, with witnesses testifying under oath, can provide a glimpse of sunlight," said Rep. Tom Davis, chairman of the House Government Reform Committee. "I'm extremely concerned about the message being sent to children.
Associated Press