Steinbrenner has reached a new low in signing Strawberry.

Some criticized Cashen for not signing Strawberry before or during last season.

The Dodgers had become somewhat crowded in that area last month when the team signed Strawberry.

He signed Strawberry last season, too, but opted not to exercise an option for a $1.8 million salary for this season.

Seattle considered and rejected the idea of signing Strawberry.

But he did blame the front office for not signing Strawberry long before he entered his "walk year."

George Steinbrenner signed Strawberry and is said to have interest in Gooden as well.

The Yankees want to sign Strawberry, who is undergoing treatment for colon cancer, to a contract.

A person with knowledge of the discussions said Giants officials had previously called the Yankees, asking them to sign Strawberry before the hearing.

The Yankees signed Strawberry last week for $850,000 for the rest of the season.