Tavarez's cap is plain dirty

Baseball

Julian Tavarez's baseball cap is dirty and grimy -- but not illegal, according to the man who now owns it. Gene McNary, who bought the cap for $140 from the fan who caught it when Tavarez was ejected and tossed it into the stands, took the cap to St. Louis Testing Laboratories, where substances on it were analyzed. McNary said the lab tested specifically for pine tar and resin and results revealed dust and dirt, but nothing illegal. Tavarez was ejected Aug. 20 at Busch Stadium after Pirates manager Lloyd McClendon questioned the cap. Tavarez is appealing the 10-game suspension handed down for having pine tar on the cap. The Cardinals intend to forward the cap to Major League Baseball for further testing . . . If Northern Virginia is chosen over Washington as the new home of the Montreal Expos, Washington could pass legislation that would ban the team from RFK Stadium, District of Columbia Finance Committee chairman Jack Evans said . . . Scott Erickson was designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers, and has agreed to report to Triple A if he clears waivers . . . The New York Mets signed 24-year-old Cuban defector Alay Soler, giving the pitcher a three-year deal worth $2.8 million. Soler was an ace for the Cuban national team last year, going 10-4 with a 2.01 ERA in 18 games. He defected last November with three other players . . . Tony Gwynn will have his No. 19 retired by the San Diego Padres next Saturday.

Miscellany

Bovina powers into final

Elena Bovina capitalized on her big serve, overpowering Russian countrywoman Elena Dementieva, 6-1, 6-1, to reach the final of the Pilot Pen tournament in New Haven, where she will face her doubles partner, Nathalie Dechy of France, a 6-4, 6-0 winner over Lisa Raymond . . . The NCAA says Southern Cal wide receiver Mike Williams sent a clear message he no longer wanted to play college football by hiring an agent and dropping out of spring classes. That's part of the reason Williams's appeal to be reinstated was rejected, Kevin Lennon, NCAA vice president for membership services, said . . . Former Chicago Bulls coach Bill Cartwright was hired as an assistant by the New Jersey Nets . . . Free agent guard Jamison Brewer signed with the New York Knicks . . . Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas was suspended by the NBA for one game because he failed to maintain proper registration of a handgun in 2003 . . . The Gaelic Athletic Association Finals are at the Irish Cultural Center in Canton today (4 p.m.) and tomorrow (11 a.m.). Eight winners will travel to Denver next weekend to compete in the North American Finals.