FORT MYERS -- Bud Selig succeeded in getting a new steroid policy in place for Major League Baseball before spring training, and some ballplayers already working out at the Minnesota Twins' spring training site appear to be on board.

 

Twins catcher Joe Mauer was the only major leaguer working out on the practice field next to Hammond Stadium on Thursday morning, but he was joined some minor league prospects who already are familiar with strict testing.

 

Riverdale native Tommy Watkins, who has played for the Class A Fort Myers Miracle and batted .267 last season for Double-A New Britain, thought it was about time the big leagues made a change.

 

"I don't know too much about the it, but I guess (the old policy) wasn't fair to the people that aren't doing it," Watkins said. "I guess it did give the guys who were doing it a little advantage. It will make people more aware of what's coming. Hopefully, it makes everybody just be natural and gives them a heads up about it. Your life is at stake."

 

Mauer, 21, spent most of his rookie campaign in 2004 on the disabled list because of an injury to his left knee. He has been cited by management as one of the best examples of somebody who lives a clean life.

 

The soft-spoken Mauer has maintained a rigorous workout routine since high school, when he balanced football, basketball and baseball. After his senior year at Cretin-Durham High, Mauer became the first athlete to be named National High School Football Player of the Year and National High School Baseball Player of the Year.

 

"It's cheating (using steroids), so that's not good. But I kind of figured it would happen," Mauer said. "I think it's good. It seems to be working in the minor leagues and I think it's good that they're trying to clean it up."

 

Watkins pointed out that the minor leagues even increased the number of random tests of ballplayers from two to four and have similar punishments as the new MLB policy, which involve varying suspensions.

 

Former Twins pitcher Bert Blyleven believes there always will be critics no matter how many changes are made by the league and the players' union. But having been a player for 22 seasons and bearing witness to plenty of potential violations and abuses, Blyleven thinks baseball is taking a step in the right direction.

 

"It's a good beginning. It's kind of at second base -- not a home run," said Blyleven, who missed being elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame last week. "It's a positive that the owners and baseball came up with something in the right direction. I'm glad that they're on the same page now and came to an agreement and that this will help baseball, mostly the fans."