By Times staff writers, Associated Press
Published February 26, 2004
TAMPA - Darryl Strawberry resigned as a player development instructor with the Yankees on Wednesday to spend more time with church-related activities.
"Because of the commitments that I have to my church, which includes considerable travel, I do not feel I can fulfill my obligations to be with the Yankees at this time," Strawberry said in a statement.
"I must therefore leave my position as a player development instructor. While I truly love baseball, my focus and passion now are outreach to the community and youth evangelism."
The eight-time All-Star, who has overcome a drug addiction, prison term and cancer, was hired in November. He was going to work with the major-league team during spring training and with minor-leaguers the rest of the season.
LEE GETS STARTED: Former Devil Rays first baseman Travis Lee worked out a day after agreeing to a one-year contract.
"I'm just happy to be part of this," Lee said. "The team they put together here, it's amazing. It was fun when they called me and said they wanted me to be part of it. I'm willing to contribute any way possible."
GROUNDSKEEPER SUES: Paul Williams Jr., the Fenway Park groundskeeper involved in a bullpen brawl with former Yankees Jeff Nelson and Karim Garcia during the ALCS, sued the players for more than $33,000 for medical bills and lost wages. Williams said the October fight left him with a deviated septum and he has lost his sense of smell.
- ASSOCIATED PRESS
Future won't faze Delgado
DUNEDIN - There is a definite possibility Carlos Delgado, the longest serving Blue Jay - he has been a member of the organization since he was signed in 1988 - is entering his final year as a Jay.
As upbeat as ever, Delgado is well aware of his tenuous future in a Toronto uniform, but refuses to let it affect him.
"The worst thing right now is that I have a contract for this year," Delgado said. "Whatever happens, I'm going to have to deal with it. I can't play first base and GM and president for the team. I can only play first base, and that's what I'm going to do."
The Jays, Delgado and David Sloane, his representative, have stated a preference to hold off negotiating until after the season.
WERTH CATCHING AGAIN: One year after Jayson Werth thought he had put away his catcher's gear for good, the organization has asked him to reintroduce himself to the position.
"It was out of necessity," GM J.P. Ricciardi said. "We don't want to rush (Guillermo) Quiroz and we were considering what we would do if (Kevin) Cash got hurt."
Designated hitter Josh Phelps is a former catcher, but his knees are still barking a bit after offseason surgery.
- MIKE GANTER
Bowa gets fly gear
CLEARWATER - Phillies manager Larry Bowa promised to show up today decked out in one of two new hip-hop-style outfits given to him Wednesday by shortstop Jimmy Rollins.
Bowa has been joking for years that he wants Rollins, a flashy dresser, to buy him a new wardrobe.
Rollins crashed Bowa's morning news conference with a bag of gifts that included Steve Madden tennis shoes, baggy velour pants, a jazzy shirt and a headband.
"Just out of respect for me, when I come in sometime during the day, I want to see it," Rollins said.
A two-time All-Star, Rollins hopes someday to design his own clothing line. WAGNER ON MEND: One day after feeling discomfort in the middle finger of his throwing hand during a bullpen session, closer Billy Wagner felt better.
Wagner, who had been throwing every other day, is expected to miss two bullpen sessions and resume throwing Monday.
"I'm not going to put pressure on them to come back too soon," the left-hander said.
