Players' union leader Donald Fehr would consider approving blood testing for human growth hormone if there was a valid, efficient procedure for determining its use over an extended period.

Under baseball's collective bargaining agreement, urine tests for performance-enhancing substances are administered, although HGH cannot be detected in current urine tests. The World Anti-Doping Agency says a blood test for HGH will be used at the Olympics, but no validated blood test for HGH currently is commercially available.

"If and when a blood test is available and it can be signed and validated by people other than those that are trying to sell it to you, then we'd have to take a hard look at it," Fehr said yesterday. "We'd have to see what it is and try to make a judgment as to whether it is fair and appropriate."

Such a test would have to be agreed upon in discussions between owners and the union.

New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter said this month he "wouldn't mind" a blood test for HGH, and several of his teammates echoed that stance.

ROCKIES

CLOSER CORPAS AGREES TO $22 MILLION CONTRACT

After only a half season as its closer, Manny Corpas agreed to a four-year contract with Colorado worth $22 million if the team exercises options for 2012 and 2013.

The 25-year-old right-hander replaced Brian Fuentes as Colorado's closer last season. He played an integral role in the club's first World Series berth.

After earning the closer job July 7, Corpas saved 19 of 20 games and went 4-2 with a 2.08 ERA.

ELSEWHERE

Astros: Roger Clemens' 10-year personal services contract with Houston could be affected by the FBI's investigation into whether he lied to Congress about using steroids. Astros owner Drayton McLane said yesterday he might re-evaluate the deal — which kicks in when the star pitcher officially retires — in light of Clemens' legal issues. "We'll just have to see what happens," McLane said. "You're just putting supposition into it and we'll just have to wait and see what develops."

New rules: Base coaches in the big leagues will have to stick inside their boxes this season. Major League Baseball announced a few rule amendments yesterday, including one that came a season after Double-A coach Mike Coolbaugh was killed by a line drive to the neck. Starting this year, first- and third-base coaches must not cross the lines toward home plate or the field until batted balls pass them. Only then can they take up other spots to guide runners.

Diamondbacks: Randy Johnson threw batting practice for the first time this spring yesterday and called it no big deal. "I don't think there's anything really to discuss until I actually start getting into a game," Johnson said after throwing about 50 pitches. It was the first time the 44-year-old lefty has thrown to batters since he underwent back surgery in August.

Mets: Johan Santana will make his Grapefruit League debut for the New York Mets today against St. Louis. The Mets acquired the left-handed pitcher from Minnesota for outfielder Carlos Gomez and pitchers Kevin Mulvey, Deolis Guerra and Philip Humber.

Athletics: Oakland and catcher Kurt Suzuki agreed to terms on a one-year deal. Suzuki, a Baldwin High alum, was scratched from yesterday's opening day lineup because of an illness.