McCarthy, who sued Vincent in 1990 before dropping the suit two months ago, has already had one confrontational meeting with the commissioner.

Steinbrenner, who under his agreement with the commissioner cannot sue Vincent, filed a lawsuit earlier this month against Esquire Reporting Company.

Steinbrenner himself could be removed as an owner if he sues Vincent and loses.

If Steinbrenner violates the agreement by suing Vincent, the commissioner could have grounds to order Steinbrenner to sell his majority interest in the Yankees.

The owners left intact the provision that clubs may not challenge a commissioner's decision in court even though the Cubs ignored the provision when they sued Vincent.

Typical of Steinbrenner's bullying tactics, he reportedly is threatening to sue Vincent for $100 million if he's not allowed to return.

The Cubs responded by suing Vincent, charging he had ignored the National League constitution and, therefore, overstepped his authority.

Rather, they have pursued a series of lawsuits in the names of Steinbrenner, who under the agreement cannot sue Vincent, and others.

All three have sued major league baseball, Vincent or those associated with Vincent's investigation of Steinbrenner back in 1990.

The Cubs are suing Vincent over his decision to move the club, along with St. Louis, to the National League West next season.