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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Chisox Look At Strawberry With Kruk Hobbled, Chicago Needs A Dh In The Worst Way

Paul Sullivan Chicago Tribune

Whether the Chicago White Sox can count on John Kruk to come off the disabled list next week and remain healthy the rest of the season is something no one can predict.

Kruk’s heel injury left a gaping hole in the lineup that no one has been able to fill. Sox designated hitters are 7 of 32 (.218) with no runs batted in since Kruk was forced out of the lineup 10 games ago.

And now reports have cropped up that a Sox scout was in Palm Springs, Calif., to get a look at troubled outfielder Darryl Strawberry, whose 60-day suspension for failing a drug test is due to end June 23.

Strawberry, 33, was released by the San Francisco Giants last winter for violating his aftercare program. A hearing will be held this month to determine whether Strawberry was illegally released from the Giants after the club had agreed to go to arbitration with him.

In February, Strawberry pleaded guilty to tax evasion. In April, he was ordered to pay $350,000 in back taxes and was sentenced to six months’ home confinement, although he is allowed to play baseball while serving the sentence.

When asked about a report in the New York Post that the White Sox were interested in signing Strawberry, Sox general manager Ron Schueler replied: “They are?”

Schueler didn’t issue an outright denial of the Sox’s alleged interest, saying it was “immaterial” whether they were interested in signing Strawberry because his status is uncertain.

“There’s still going to be arbitration on whether the Giants still own him,” Schueler said.

Asked if the Sox would be interested in Strawberry if he becomes available, Schueler said, “I’d have to send someone to see him.”

And if Kruk is unable to return soon from his injury, would Schueler have to go out and look for another DH?

“Probably in another week I would be (looking),” Schueler said. “We knew (Kruk would be out) five to seven more days. After that I would be concerned. But the MRI test on his foot was negative, so that’s good.”

White Sox DHs are hitting a combined .250 for the season with only two home runs and 15 RBIs. Chris Sabo, the original DH, hit only .230 from that position with no homers and five RBIs. Kruk hit .263 before his heel injury with six RBIs in 38 at-bats. Last year, Julio Franco was the most productive designated hitter in the league with a .306 average and 16 homers and 85 RBIs.

The lack of a dependable DH to hit behind Frank Thomas has resulted in Thomas walking 49 times in 41 games, a pace that would break Babe Ruth’s all-time record of 170 walks in 1923. Thomas has been intentionally walked 12 times.

Oakland pitcher Dave Stewart said the loss of Franco makes it easier to pitch around Thomas.

“Julio Franco in that lineup makes it a very, very difficult lineup,” he said. “Sabo hitting behind Frank was something that you had to think about, but it wasn’t like pitching to Ruben Sierra. Kruk is hurt, but he’s real tough. You’ve really got to think about him.”

Kruk is to start taking batting practice Thursday.

Despite Strawberry’s problems, he will sign with some team.

The New York Yankees are also reportedly interested in him.