Strawberry under investigation

By Compiled from Times wires

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 28, 2000

TAMPA -- Five months into his year-long suspension from baseball, Darryl Strawberry has left a drug clinic and is trying to get back into the game. But a New York newspaper reports the outfielder has a more-pressing concern: staying out of jail.

Strawberry wrote a letter to commissioner Bud Selig several weeks ago asking for reinstatement, the Associated Press reported. But the New York Daily News reported today that Strawberry is under investigation by Florida authorities for "major violations" of his probation that could land him behind bars.

"We believe there has been a willful and substantial violation," said Joe Papy, who supervises probation issues for the Tampa area.

Strawberry said charges he had been seen drinking and partying in South Florida were "garbage," and a "total, made-up lie." He added that he hadn't consumed alcohol or drugs since testing positive for cocaine Jan. 19.

The Yankees outfielder, serving his third drug-related suspension, asked for an early end to his one-year ban, scheduled to run through February.

Strawberry told the Daily News that he left the Sobrenity Inc., clinic in Fort Lauderdale after 31/2 months because he needs to support his wife and children.

Strawberry's agent, Eric Grossman, did not return telephone messages from the Associated Press. However, officials of the St. Paul, Minn., Saints minor-league club confirmed there have been discussions about hiring the 38-year-old, though not as a player.

MORE YANKEES: Left-hander Allen Watson (shoulder) is scheduled to throw batting practice today in Tampa. ... Right-hander Orlando Hernandez (elbow) reported no problems one day after his first bullpen session since going on the 15-day DL.

Arrojo to Red Sox

BOSTON -- The Red Sox completed a seven-player trade with Colorado, receiving pitcher Rolando Arrojo and infielder Mike Lansing for second baseman Jeff Frye and demoted pitchers Brian Rose and John Wasdin.

Boston also acquired pitcher Rick Croushore and an undisclosed amount of cash. The Rockies also got minor-league pitcher Jeff Taglienti.

"We had some gaping holes now that (Pete) Schourek has gone down," Red Sox reliever Rod Beck said. "Arrojo will help fill those innings."

Arrojo, 32, has had trouble adjusting to Coors Field since he was traded from Tampa Bay to the Rockies last December, going 5-9 with a 6.04 ERA in 19 starts this year.

"It's hard to evaluate pitchers in Colorado," general manager Dan Duquette said, adding that Arrojo has a 4.90 ERA on the road. "It's not unusual for pitchers to have trouble in Colorado."

BLUE JAYS: Outfielder Raul Mondesi (right elbow) has ligament damage and was put on the 15-day disabled list. Mondesi was examined in Los Angeles by Dr. Frank Jobe, who said more testing is needed to determine the extent of damage. Mondesi, 29, is hitting .272 with 24 homers and 67 RBI.

CARDINALS: J.D. Drew (sprained left ankle) returned even though he said he was not fully recovered from the injury that put him on the disabled list. "It feels like a sprained ankle," Drew said tersely. To adjust for his limited mobility, the club shifted him from rightfield to left.

DODGERS: Catcher Todd Hundley was activated from the 15-day DL; catcher Paul LoDuca was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque. ... Right-hander Ismael Valdes, acquired Wednesday from the Cubs, will meet up with the Dodgers in Philadelphia, the team's next stop on a 10-day road trip.

EXPOS: Hideki Irabu (right knee) was activated from the disabled list. ... Outfielder Rondell White (strained right hamstring) will have an MRI exam today.

METS: Shortstop Melvin Mora (broken fingernail) is day-to-day. ... Rightfielder Derek Bell (stitches in chin, lightheadedness) should play today. ... Third baseman Robin Ventura may come off the DL Saturday. ... Outfielder Darryl Hamilton (sprained left foot) could begin a second minor league rehab stint next week. ... Bobby Valentine won his 340th game with New York, passing Gil Hodges for second place. Davey Johnson (595) is first.

PIRATES: Jason Schmidt (inflamed right shoulder), out since June 11, was scheduled to pitch three innings for the team's Rookie League team in Bradenton.

ROCKIES: Right-hander Kevin Jarvis (sore right elbow) will go on the 15-day DL.

TIGERS: Right-hander Dave Mlicki (chronic sinus infection) was placed on the 15-day DL retroactive to July 23.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.

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