By Compiled from Times wires
Published August 26, 2003
MIAMI - Jose Canseco was released from jail Monday after prosecutors dropped charges alleging the former Devil Rays slugger violated his probation by taking steroids.
Assistant State Attorney Kathleen Hoague said the state could not determine when Canseco took the muscle-enhancing drug because of conflicting expert testimony on how long it would stay in his system.
Canseco had been behind bars since June 20, when probation officials said he tested positive for steroids. He has denied any drug use while on probation.
"It was a very painful, stressful situation for my daughter, my family and myself," Canseco said. "It feels good to be out."
Canseco, 39, could have faced up to 15 years in state prison.
The 1988 AL MVP has been on probation since November, when he pleaded guilty to aggravated battery for a 2001 nightclub fight with two tourists. His probation is scheduled to end in March 2004.
ROYALS BOOST ROTATION: Kansas City added Brian Anderson for the playoff drive, acquiring the left-hander from the Indians for two minor-leaguers and cash.
Anderson went 9-10 with a 3.71 ERA for the Indians, who signed him to a one-year free-agent contract in December. Cleveland has given up a major-league-high 27 unearned runs behind Anderson.
Royals catcher Mike DiFelice, a former Devil Ray, was suspended for two games and fined for throwing coolers and a trash can onto the field after he was ejected Aug. 16.
STADIUM BILL: A $150-million partial financing plan for a stadium won final approval in the Oregon Legislature, a major step in Portland's efforts to lure the Expos. The House voted 31-24 to approve an amended version of legislation the state Senate approved 16-11 Saturday, a day after the Senate rejected the bill 18-12. The bill goes to Gov. Ted Kulongoski, who backs the move to bring major-league baseball to Oregon.
OSPREY KILLING: Minor-leaguer Jae Kuk Ryu, charged with killing an osprey with a baseball in Daytona Beach, agreed to enter a no-contest plea, likely avoiding a trial.
BLUE JAYS: Rightfielder Bobby Kielty left in the fourth with a strained left hamstring.
WHITE SOX: Right-handed closer Billy Koch, on the disabled list with a sore elbow, went to Triple-A Charlotte to begin a rehabilitation assignment.
YANKEES: Alfonso Soriano set a club record with his 10th leadoff homer of the season, topping Rickey Henderson's 1986 total.
