Report says A-Rod tested positive

baseball notes

Star failed test for 2 steroids when playing in Texas in '03

Baseball's drug policy prohibited the use of steroids without a valid prescription since 1991, but there were no penalties for a positive test in 2003.

As part of an agreement with the players union, the testing in 2003 was conducted to determine whether it was necessary to impose mandatory random drug testing across the major leagues in 2004.

The results of the testing of 1,198 players were meant to be anonymous under the agreement between the commissioner's office and the union. SI reported that Rodriguez's testing information was found after federal agents, with search warrants, seized the 2003 results from Comprehensive Drug Testing Inc., in Long Beach, Calif.

That was one of two labs used by baseball in connection with the testing. The seizure in April 2004 was part of the government's investigation into 10 baseball players linked to the BALCO scandal, the magazine reported.

Nationals: : Pitcher Shawn Hill won his salary arbitration case when a panel awarded him the $775,000 contract he sought instead of the $500,000 the team offered.