Pubdate: Sun, 01 Aug 1999
Source: Associated Press
Copyright: 1999 Associated Press
Author: Ronald Blum

NO DECISION ON STRAWBERRY

NEW YORK - The date for Darryl Strawberry's suspension to be
reviewed by commissioner Bud Selig came and went Thursday with no
announcements or decisions.

Strawberry's 120-day suspension, imposed after he pleaded no contest
to cocaine possession and solicitation charges, runs through Aug. 11.
But Selig promised to review the case July 22 because of "mitigating
health factors."

Because of the confrontation between baseball and its umpires,
however, Selig didn't consider the matter at all Thursday, baseball
spokesman Rich Levin said.

Selig does not plan to alter Strawberry's status, according to a
baseball official speaking on the condition he not be identified.

That means Strawberry will continue working out at the Yankees'
training complex in Tampa, Fla. The 37-year-old outfielder will be
eligible to join one of New York's minor league teams on Aug. 12.

New York has been searching for help in left field all season. Shane
Spencer, on the disabled list while undergoing treatment for an
irregular heartbeat, seems to be the No. 1 choice of Yankees manager
Joe Torre. Spencer, who is about to start a minor league rehab
assignment, is hitting .243 with six homers and 12 RBIs is 107 at-bats.

Ricky Ledee, getting most of the playing time while Spencer has been
disabled, is hitting .247 with three homers and 13 RBIs in 89 at-bats.
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MAP posted-by: Derek Rea