MLB roundup: Rodriguez reportedly tested positive in 2006
New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez tested positive for stimulants in 2006, according to the New York Times.
Rodriguez was not publicly identified for failing the test because players face suspensions for banned substances only if they test positive more than once.
Rodriguez is appealing a 211-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's drug policy.
Lanny J. Davis, a representative of Rodriguez's legal defense, denied that Rodriguez failed a drug test seven years ago.
It is not known if the league used the failed drug test as part of its evidence against Rodriguez during recent appeal hearings.
--- Joe Torre, Tony La Russa and Bobby Cox headline the National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot, which was released Monday.
They will be voted on by the 16-member Expansion Era Veterans Committee Dec. 9 during the annual Winter Meetings in Orlando, Fla.
The ballot also includes former manager Billy Martin and players Dave Concepcion, Steve Garvey, Tommy John, Dave Parker, Dan Quisenberry and Ted Simmons. Additionally, Marvin Miller -- the first executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association -- and former New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner.
The annual players ballot voted on by eligible members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America is scheduled for release Nov. 25.
---The New York Yankees made $14.1 million qualifying offers to second baseman Robinson Cano, outfielder Curtis Granderson and right-hander Hiroki Kuroda. All three were in the last years of their contracts.
If they decline the offers and sign with other teams, the Yankees receive draft picks as compensation next year. They have until 5 p.m. on Nov. 11 to accept or decline the offers.
---General manager Ben Cherington said that the Boston Red Sox extended qualifying offers of $14.1 million to outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, first baseman Mike Napoli and shortstop Stephen Drew.
Cherington said right-hander reliever Joel Hanrahan and catcher Jared Saltalamacchia were not extended the one-year offer to prevent them from leaving in free agency without netting the Red Sox draft pick compensation.
---The Philadelphia Phillies declined to make qualifying offers to two free agent veterans, right-hander Roy Halladay and catcher Carlos Ruiz.
The Phillies decided against giving one-year, $14.1 million tenders to the duo, a decision that will cost the team draft-pick compensation should either player or both sign elsewhere. The club also will decline the $20 million option on Halladay's contract.
---Slugger Corey Hart was not extended a one-year qualifying offer from the Milwaukee Brewers, who viewed Hart's health as a risk but maintain some level of interest in bringing back the 31-year-old veteran.
Hart missed the 2013 season following surgery on both knees but hit 30 home runs with 83 RBIs in 2012, while moving from the outfield to first base.
---Right-handed pitcher Josh Johnson was not extended a qualifying offer by the Toronto Blue Jays and will become a free agent.
Johnson, 29, has a history of arm problems and underwent surgery on his right elbow in October to remove bone spurs. He was 2-8 with a 6.20 ERA in his only season with the Blue Jays after eight seasons with the Marlins' organization.
---The Cleveland Indians announced that they extended a one-year, $14.1 million qualifying offer to right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez for next season.
Jimenez turned down an $8 million club option last week, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
---The Tampa Bay Rays picked up their $6.5 million club option on outfielder David DeJesus for 2014 on Sunday.
---Major League Baseball introduced the idea of the San Francisco Giants sharing AT&T Park with the Oakland A's in 2014 because the A's negotiations on their lease extension with O.co Coliseum are stalling, according to the San Jose Mercury News.
The A's agreement to play at O.com Coliseum expired after this season. However, an arrangement for the A's to play at the Giants' home ballpark is unlikely.
