WASHINGTON — As the FBI continues its investigation into whether Roger Clemens committed perjury at a congressional hearing a year ago, the federal government yesterday sent a clear message to The Rocket through another major-leaguer.

Houston Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada, facing up to a year in jail and possible deportation if a jury decided he lied to congressional staffers about the use of steroids in baseball, instead agreed to the government's offer of a plea bargain, becoming the first high-profile player convicted of a crime stemming from baseball's steroids era.

Just before noon yesterday in courtroom 7 at U.S. District Court in Washington, an obviously nervous Tejada officially entered his guilty plea. Sentencing will be March 26 and Tejada is expected to receive probation as opposed to jail in light of the plea deal.

Magistrate judge Alan Kay told Tejada that a pre-sentencing investigation will guide him in imposing his sentence.

At a news conference at Minute Maid Park in Houston last night, Tejada fought back tears as he told reporters, "I just want to apologize ... I made a mistake and now I know how serious a mistake I made. I take responsibility and I'm very sorry for what happened."

Tejada's case is bad news for Clemens because Tejada's untruthful statement was only about whether he had conversations with teammates about steroids. Clemens is being investigating for denying the use of performance-enhancing drugs while under oath before a congressional hearing last February.

ANGELS

ABREU AGREES TO ONE-YEAR CONTRACT

The Los Angeles Angels and right-fielder Bobby Abreu agreed to a one-year contract yesterday.

Abreu will make a base salary of $5 million with a chance to push it above $6 million based on incentives, according to several media outlets. The AL West champions were expected to announce the deal today, pending Abreu's passing a physical yesterday.

The 13-year veteran made $16 million with the New York Yankees last season and was reportedly seeking a three-year, $48 million deal as a free agent.

NATIONALS

DUNN GETS TWO-YEAR, $20 MILLON DEAL

Outfielder/first baseman Adam Dunn and the Washington Nationals agreed to a contract worth $20 million over two years, several Web sites reported.

Dunn hit a combined .236 with 40 homers, 100 RBIs and 164 strikeouts last season with the Cincinnati Reds and Arizona Diamondbacks.