STRAWBERRY ORDERED OFF THE FIELD

TAMPA, Fla. -- Baseball ordered Darryl Strawberry off the field Wednesday
amid a strong sign the New York Yankees outfielder would be suspended for
the season because of a positive cocaine test.

The Yankees were taking batting practice when Strawberry was told to go to
the clubhouse, where general manager Brian Cashman relayed the message from
the commissioner's office.

"We were trying to do it with as little fanfare as possible," manager Joe
Torre said.

The twice-suspended Strawberry met with commissioner Bud Selig in Milwaukee
on Tuesday, a day after revealing details about the drug relapse to Yankees
owner George Steinbrenner.

Selig is expected to decide Strawberry's fate today. Asked if a one-year
suspension was likely, a high-ranking baseball official, speaking on the
condition he not be identified, said: "That's a good guess."

Strawberry said he showed up for the first full-squad workout of the year
with the two-time World Series champions to prove he is not "running and
hiding."

"You guys know I've always been forward," Strawberry said. "I came here
today because this is where I feel I want to be. I really can't comment on
anything right now."

The eight-time All-Star, who turns 38 next month, tested positive for
cocaine Jan. 19, a violation of probation stemming from a no-contest plea
to charges of cocaine possession and soliciting a prostitute in Tampa last
spring.

"I'm going to stand by him. I'm going to try to see that he rights his
life. If it's in baseball, fine. If it's outside baseball, fine,"
Steinbrenner said. "It isn't like George has given him enough chances, now
dump him. Dump him ... I don't think so."

Torre said Strawberry called him on a cell phone shortly before his arrival
at Legends Field and said he wanted to work out with the team. Since the
Yankees had not received any direction on the matter from baseball, the
manager said OK.

Strawberry's first drug suspension was for 60 days in 1995 after he tested
positive for cocaine. The second, from April 24 to Aug. 4 last season, came
after he was arrested in Tampa for possessing 0.3 grams of cocaine.

The Yankees had been counting on Strawberry to be their top designated
hitter this season, after the retirement of Chili Davis.