USA – Things are looking better for Houston Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada after a federal prosecutor recommended probation with no prison time for the All-Star slugger for misleading Congress about the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Tejada, who captured the 2002 American League MVP while a member of the Oakland Athletics, pleaded guilty last month to one count of making misrepresentations to Congress, which carried a maximum sentence of a year imprisonment and a fine up to $100,000.

The five-time All-Star from the Dominican Republic admitted he withheld information about an ex-teammate’s use of steroids and human growth hormone when questioned by a House committee’s investigators in August 2005.

FLORIDA MARLINS MOVE CLOSER TO GETTING NEW STADIUM

Miami City Commissioners narrowly approved a plan to build a $639 million ballpark for the Florida Marlins Thursday, inching the long-delayed MLB stadium one step closer to becoming a reality.

The city commisioners voted 3-2 to approve the 37,000 seat facility, which would be built on the site of the demolished Orange Bowl. The Miami-Dade County Commission leadership is scheduled to meet Monday to decide if the project moves forward.

The Marlins agreed to several requests from commissioners, including a pledge to employ local residents, to donate $500,000 to charity each year, and to build community ballparks around the county.

Tags: Facilities, National League