Md. Racing Commission approves steroid limits
horse racing
The Maryland Racing Commission gave final approval yesterday to regulations restricting the use of anabolic steroids and banning the use of toe grabs. In addition, the commission granted a request by the Maryland Jockey Club to raise the takeout on two types of wagers, the Pick 3 and the Pick 4, from 14 percent to 25.75 percent. In those wagers, a bettor has to select the winner of three or four consecutive races, respectively. Racing officials said the lower takeout was intended as a promotional incentive to attract wagers, but the amount of money bet on the two exotic wagers remained relatively low.
BILL ORDINE
M. Ramirez says no to Dodgers' $25M offer
baseball
Manny Ramirez has rejected the Los Angeles Dodgers' one-year, $25 million contract offer, which would have given the slugger the second-highest average salary behind the New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez ($27.5 million a year). Ramirez, 36, is believed to be seeking a four- or five-year deal starting at $25 million per season. Owner Frank McCourt continued to express his interest in retaining the free agent but told the Los Angeles Times that the roster is playoff-caliber without him.
Padres: : Jeff Moorad has reached an agreement for his group to buy the franchise from majority owner John Moores. Moorad, who resigned last month as CEO of the Diamondbacks, will acquire 100 percent ownership during a period of up to five years, subject to approval by baseball owners. The deal values the team at $500 million. The sale, precipitated by Moores' difficult divorce from his wife, Becky, is expected to close by Opening Day.
Et cetera: : The Mets and Citigroup said that their $400 million naming rights deal for the new stadium is still on, despite a Wall Street Journal report yesterday that the banking company might be looking to back out. ... Third baseman Garrett Atkins agreed to a one-year, $7.05 million contract with the Rockies. ... Right-hander Justin Verlander and the Tigers agreed to a one-year contract worth $3,675,000. ... Yankees right-hander Chien-Ming Wang threw 27 pitches in his first mound session this year as he rehabilitates an injured foot. ... Actor Kevin Costner says he has chosen the northeastern Illinois town of Zion for a new minor league team, which will be part of the Northern League in 2010.
Report: Clemens' DNA linked to blood in syringes
drugs
