The Paducah Sun from Paducah, Kentucky • 18

B2 The Poducoh Sun Thundoy, Morch 3, 1988 Late Strawberry draws fine Major league baseball t-t, -s'V 4 i M' a- a. Tiger reliever ices down Detroit writer By The Auoclated Pita The New YorK Mets have a new training camp this season, but old problems have fol-Jowed them across Florida from St. Petersburg to Port St. Lucie. Darryl Strawberry, fined $1,750 for being late twice last season, was 19 minutes late for Wednesday's workout and was fined $100 by Mets Davey Johnson.

Strawberry said he had a flat tire. "I woke up in plenty of time," Strawberry said. "But when I went down to my car at 9 a.m., I had a flat tire. I called a tow truck because I didn't have a spare. By the time I had to wait for them to come, it was late." Johnson fined Strawberry $500 for oversleeping a workout last March 22 and another $1,000 when he left camp after he found out about the fine.

He was fined $250 when he was 22 minutes late for a game against the Chicago Cubs on June 9. He had been late the previous day but was not fined. "Darryl and I don't have a problem," Johnson said Wednesday. "We get along great. He's had some problems with tardiness in the past.

He apologized for being late and said he had some car problems. That's it. "Of the 48 players in this camp, why does'! have to be Darryl?" Johnson asked out loud. "As far as I'm concerned, it's settled. But I wish it hadn't been Darryl." The Mets announced that minor-league pitcher Reggie Dobie will be admitted to Smith-ers Institute to undergo treatment for an alcohol problem.

The club announced in a press release that Dobie's admission was voluntary and "does not involve the use of any illegal substance." Dwight Gooden spent last April at the Smith-ers Insitute for cocaine rehabilitaion. Also, the Mets named Gary Carter co-captain, joining Keith Hernandez. Several Mets said that Carter felt hurt last year when Hernandez was named captain. A day earlier, Bell said, 'There's going to be a bomb explode" and openly challenged Williams. Signlngs Mark McGwire, who set a rookie record with 49 home runs last season, agreed to a one-year contract for $260,000 with the Oakland Athletics.

He can earn at lead $65,000 more in bonuses. McGwire made the big league minimum, $62,500, his rookie season. The Mets, in compliance with their own self-imposed deadline for completing roster signings, now have all 39 of their players on the major league roster under contract. The club announced the signings of Len Dykstra Kevin Elster, Randy Myers, Darren Reed, Jose Roman, Mark Carreon and Jack Savage to one-year contracts. Gene Walter and Randy Milligan had their 1987 contracts renewed First baseman John Kruk, a .300 hitter for the San Diego Padres last year, has reached an agreement in principle on a two-year contract.

Milwaukee signed left-hander Juan Nieves, who pitched a no-hitter last season against Baltimore, to a one-year contract. Medical report Results of tests on California right-hander Dan Petry indicated he has a herniated disc in his lower back. He will undergo therapy, but the ailment is not considered serious. Texas pitcher Edwin suffered a sprained ankle during fielding drills. Manager Bobby Valentine said Correa isn't expected to pitch against St.

Louis in Friday's exhibition opener, but the injury is not considered serious. Tobacco road Larry Himes, the Chicago White Sox general manager who banned alcohol from the team's clubhouse last season and fined players for not wearing socks, has said that the club will discourage players from chewing tobacco. When you're smiling Steve Sax around the batting cage at Vero Beach, when he was Pedro Guerrero and Mike Marshall together: "I've got to get a picture of this, both of you two guys together, smiling." Hot and cold Willie Hernandez of the Detroit Tigers dumped ice water on a sports writer's head, accusing Detroit Free Press columnist Mitch Albom of turning Tigers' fans against him. Albom was sitting in the clubhouse in Lakeland, talking with pitcher Frank Tanana when Hernandez, without saying a word, picked up a large container of ice water and poured it over Albom's head. Hernandez then threw the bucket on the floor and walked away, muttering epithets.

Albom remained seated. "You're a class act, Willie," he said. "I wasn't even talking to you." Hernandez said later he felt Albom was to blame for way fans at Tiger Stadium boo him. Hernandez claimed Albom called him a crybaby in a column last year. Denny McLain was suspended for a week by then-Tigers general manager Jim Campbell after dumping a pail of water on' Watson Spoelstra of the Detroit News and Jim Hawkins of the Detroit Free-Press on Aug.

28, 1970. "I've talked with Willie about it and I'm going to talk to him again tomorrow," Tigers general manager Bill Laioie said. "I would doubt it very much that there will be disciplinary action." Bell clangs George Bell is still angry at the Toronto Blue Jays, who want him to be a designated hitter. 'After the season I had, I come here and have no job. That's hard," Bell said Wednesday after his first workout.

He thinks he can change the mind of Manager Jimy Williams. "Spring training is long we'll see what is. going to happen," Bell said. "We'll see who lasts longer with our organization him or me. I think me and Jimy, we fight." Bell and Williams met for 15 minutes prior to practice, but neither revealed what was said.

Associated Press St. Louis Cardinals pitching coach Mike Roarke watches his new prospect Jose DeLean work out in St. Petersburg, Fla. St. Louis weapons be changed Florida stays in SEC hunt at Vandy's expense '1 ft left side of the infield is set with a pair of gold glove performers in Ozzie Smith at short and Terry Pendleton at third base.

In the outfield we'll go with Vince Coleman in left, Willie McGee in center, and Jim Linde-man gets the first shot in right to show me he can rebound from an injury filled 1987 season. Speaking of rebounding from injury, that's what I'm looking for from the four-time All-Star catcher Tony Pena. He had a tough year in '87 after injuring his thumb the first week of the season. I don't know where we would have finished last year if it hadn't been for the strength of my bench. Fortunately, that unit remains intact headed by Jose Oquendo, who appeared at every position but catcher last year.

Tom Lawless, Rod Booker and Mike Laga are capable infield reserves. Backing up the outfield corps will be Curt Ford, John Morris, David Green and Lance Johnson. I would not hesitate to move any of those four into a regular starting assignment. Johnson last season was the American Association's Rookie of the Year and league MVP while playing for the Cardinals' AAA Louisville club. Last year, when Tony Pena was out with a thumb injury, I really got a heckuva job from Steve Lake and the rookie catcher Tom Pagnozzi.

Both of them return to bolster our catching corp in 1988. As is always the case, we'll have some of our top young talent along with us this spring in camp. They include infielders Tim Jones, Mike Fitzgerald and Ger-onimo Pena, catcher Ray Stephens and outfielder Alex Cole. sniping with deft passing, racking up a career-high 12 assists. "Don enjoyed what was probably his finest effort ever across the board," Newton said.

"When they made a run at us, Don put the fire our with a three-pointer." "Our defensive effort was a key to this win," Newton said. "One of our keys to the game was to stop their fast break, and we were able to do that. The disparity in free throws helped keep them in a dangerous position. They're a very quick and well-coached ball club." Western was led by Scott's 21 pointSA Racers 78, Leathernecks 68 MURRAY STATE (71) Mf Martin H5 Chris Ogden 4, Ctrl Sin 44 Dm Hun 1-15 Piul King 7, Doug Gold Mf RobUm Terence Broota Robert McOitchm Liwie Foeter I ToUa Ml HI 71 WESTERN ILLINOIS IN) Bob Smith 14 44 Hke Aym S4 DJ. Dtrie 44 Erie (Has Dmrne Scott t-ll 1-7 Hike Hani 44 11.

Junes UtCaj Tom Brig 5. Totaa 1747 HilftiiM HSU 44, WTO TbroU gotki HSU H7 (Mirta IX Hub 7-U, King 14, Braki H), WIU S-17 kytn Ctana t-1, Scott VU). Rebnndi HSU (Hutu, Sat I), WIU a (Dtvfe, Scott, Hares I). AbuU HSU 8 lHana U), WIU 17 (Smith, Davie 4). Fouled Mt Smith.

Total hoa HSU WTU 17. Tedricilj Mcditchfj. A-1J77. By WHITEY HERZOG St. Louis Cardinal manager When I look ahead at the 1988 season, I see the Cardinals playing the same style of game which all my clubs have played blueprint baseball.

We will look to win through team speed, good pitching and top notch defense. My top four starters are fairly set with John Tudor, Danny Cox, Greg Mathews and Joe Magrane. I would like to add another righthander to that group from among the ranks of Bob Forsch, Scott Terry, Lee Tunnell or Randy O'Neal, and any member of that group could also fill the role as my long reliever from the right side. The bullpen is always one of the keys to my club and this year's team should be no exception. Todd Worrell from the right side and Ken Dayley from the left give me a nice rightylefty tandom as stoppers.

Rick Horton did the job for me last year out of the bullpen in both short and long roles and he could be joined by Steve Peters, Rich Buonantony or Tim Conroy. Although they don't figure to make the club out of spring training, pitching help for the future could come from righthanders Ken Hill, Scott Arnold, Cris Carpenter, Mike Perez and lefty Jeff Fassero. Last year I had a tough time fielding my regular Lineup due to injuries, but this year I'm hoping to put my starting eight out there and let them play. Bob Horner, back from a season in Japan, will be my everyday first baseman and anchor our lineup batting cleanup. I know, after watching Tom Herr for eight seasons, that I'm going to get a consistent effort from him at second.

The By FRED GOODALL APSporta Writer GAINESVILLE, Fla. Florida stayed in contention for its first Southeastern Conference championship with an 81-65 victory over Vanderbilt Wenesday night keyed by Dwayne Schintzius and Vernon Maxwell. Schintzius scored 28 points and Maxwell added 27 as the Gators, 20-- 9 and 104, bounced back from a two-point loss to Tennessee. Florida trails first-place Kentucky by Vi games with two games remaining. Kentucky beat Georgia 80-72 to improve to 12-5 and clinch a tie.

SHARE Continued from page 1 time on the floor" of Rupp Arena, Davender. "There was a lot riding on the game and we all knew -we'd have to play up a notch on our game." Lock finished with 19 points and three rebounds and Bennett had 10 points and five rebounds in extensive playing time. Madison contrib PEAY Continued from page 1 "With him (Spencer) and Pervis (Ellison) down low, we're going to be hard to stop." Louisville, which never trailed in contest, has won 10 of its last 11 Igames to improve to 20-9. "I don't know if I deserve to be said Crum, who celebrated -his 51st birthday Wednesday. "But jf a guy ever deserved to be happy, lit's on his birthday.

And I'm -happy." Spencer scored seven points an 84 spurt that broke open a tie game and gave Louisville a '5648 lead with 12:19 left. Gators 81, Commodores 65 VANDERBILT (5) Konwt 1-2 7, Reid 14 2, Perdue 4-11 11, Booker 5-12 14, Gobeen 2-5 8, Draud 2- 6, Grant 5-7 10, Hayes 3-5 WU. Totals 25404-108. FLORIDA (II) Laurence 1-4 2-2 4, Chatman (-14 1-2 13, Schintnus 13-11 2-3 21, Montgomery 1-4 04 2, Maxwell 10-19 27, Capers 04 04 0, Jenkins 1-1 04 2, Lett 1-2 1-4 3, Davis 0-2 2-2 2. Totals 3344 13-22 11.

Halftime-Florida 31, Vanderbilt 27. 3-point gaals-Vanderbilt 11-21 (Booker 4-11, Gohecn 2-5, Draud 2-7, Mayes 34), Florida 2-4 (Maxwell 2-4). Fouled out-None. Rebounds-Vanderbilt 35 (Perdue 9), Florida 40 (Scttntxius 10). Assists-Vanderbilt 20 (Booker 5), Florida 23 (Montgomery, Maxwell I).

The Gators, who lost at Vanderbilt 9245 on Jan. 30, play Alabama on Saturday and travel to Louisiana State on Sunday. Vanderbilt, 184 and 10-7, fell out uted six points and Jenkins had four. Georgia, which hasn't won in eight road games dating back to Jan. 7, played on even terms until Kentucky put together an 8-0 spurt midway through the second half.

Toney Mack pulled Georgia even at 50 on a 7-foot hook shot with 13:01 to go, but Kentucky countered with a putback basket and free throw by Eric Manuel and a 3-pointer and a steal off a dunk by Austin Peay pulled within 72-70 on two Keith Rawls' free throws with 3:49 remaining. But Louisville scored the next six points, capped by a Spencer layup, to put the game away at the 2:35 mark. Louisville outscored Austin Peay 24 to 10 at the free-throw line. "Louisville did a lot of things well tonight," said Austin Peay Coach Lake Kelly. "They're a pretty good team, but I thought we were a pretty good team tonight, too." Ellison led all scorers with 21 points for Louisville, while LaBrad-ford Smith added 13 and Crook 12.

Rawls led Austin Peay, 15-12, with 20 points. Andre Harris added 18 and Barry Sumpter, who played TROLLING BATTERY I Eichang 175 AMP TROLUNG BATTERY $CT95 Eichong bilt's 7-foot center and the SEC's fourth-leading scorer. Perdue, averaging 18.3 points, was held scoreless for the first 13 minutes and had three points at halftime when Vanderbilt trailed 38-27. He finished with 11 points on 4-of-ll shooting and had nine rebounds. Maxwell, a 6-5 guard, moved into a tie for second place on the SEC's all-time scoring list with Mississippi's John Stroud.

Maxwell has 2,328 points and 102 consecutive games in double figures. Pete Mar-avich holds the SEC record of 3,667 points, set at Louisiana State from 1968-70. back following a back injury last week that forced him to sit out Sunday's 62-58 victory over Syracuse. He finished with 15 points, three assists and five steals. "Chapman scored 15 points but I thought his defense hurt us the most," said Georgia Coach Hugh Durham.

"He anticipates well and reads defenses well. He made some fine defensive plays." Kentucky made 62.5 percent of its shots in the first half, on 15 of 24 shooting, but couldn't shake the Bulldogs until an 8-2 spurt in the final 2:55 gave them a 3943 half-time lead. "We zoned some early, hoping they would not shoot well," said Durham. "They had not shot well against Florida and Auburn here. But they did shoot well tonight and we did not use the zone as much." Georgia was led by Mack's 19 points and seven rebounds while Kessler added 16 points and Willie Anderson had 12.

2 assists a game from his off guard position. From the field, he is connecting on a red hot 54.4 percent and a blazing 80.5 percent from the free throw line. Bobby Gross, an All-Purchase selection last season at Tilghman, has spent most of the season on the bench at Arkansas State. He's appeared in 9 games, scored 6 points and has logged 16 minutes of playing time. $6,605 WHY; NOT BUY THE BEST? 40 JSC 16 aWTLEfi FARMSTED' 0 BUILDING Our base package includes a 7 personal door Gaivaiume" roof, one Xt 14' overhead floor framed openmg.

and your eftxee or standard wan colors FretrK and taxes not ncftxled Donirmssthis chance to get Bute quatty at a very special price Orler ends March 28 CaHujlordetMs STRATEMEni CONSTRUCTION METROPOLIS, ILLINOIS PHONE (611)564-2171 of second place and was eliminated from the race. "This win puts us in the NCAA tournament," Florida coach Norm Sloan said. "I wondered what was going to happen to us if we didn't win. "Again we see what kind of team we can be when everybody contributes," Sloan said. "We don't have a lot of complete players, but everybody has something they can contribute.

Tonight, we got that kind of effort." Schintzius, a 7-foot-2 sophomore, made 13 of 18 shots, had 10 rebounds and blocked three shots in outplaying Will Perdue, Vander- Rex Chapman to lead 58-50 at 1:55 later. The margin grew to 74-64 on Davender's layup with 1:42 remaining. Georgia could get no closer than 76-72 on Alec Kessler's three-point play with 24 seconds left. "You have to give Georgia credit," said Sutton. "They competed hard.

Georgia is the mystery team in this league." Chapman turned in a surprisingly strong performance in his come- two years at Louisville before transferring to Austin Peay, had 16, despite playing only 18 minutes because of foul trouble. "It's a shame our two big guys (Sumpter and Harris) couldn't have played more," Kelly said. "Barry is playing tremendous for us right now." As a team, however, the Govs made 42 percent of their shots and 63 percent of their free throws. VALUE Continued from page 1 America selection last year at Pad-ucah Community College, has made an impact at Eastern Michigan University. He has started every game for the Eastern Michigan, which has already clinched the Mid-American Conference title.

Chambers is averaging 12.1 points, 2.3 rebounds and SCREEN PRINTING AtCoacori Mi. Wwt Or Kr Ooli Moll OnHwy.60 442-2110 UNIFORMS Lawn Marine Battery rWL' 1 in AiiD I I '4 I RACERS Continued from page 1 But this particular breed of Racer is a sturdy one and responds well to challenge. Such was the case Wednesday night, as Newton's charges fought back a determined WIU team for the second time this season, 78-68. "I think fatigue, both mental and physical, played a role in the game tonight," said Newton after his squad bumped its record to 19-8. "I'm proud of (the team's) mental toughness in light of coming off two very emotional conference games last weekend." The Racers utilized a weapon which was not in their arsenal when they downed the Leathernecks 74-58 in Murray Dec.

7. Don Mann was on the sidelines then, serving a seven-game disciplinary suspension. He was in his glory last The 5-8 junior guard led all scor-' ers with 25 points, including seven three-point goals from a range which drew gasps from the 1,277 in attendance. He supplemented his long-range yl-' 'JS Lawn Mower Battery $24.95 Exchange Used Rebuilt Batteries 1 5.95 uP New Used Tires Spin Balance 6.00 BETTER BUILT BATTERY TIRES 2161 So. BMiM Poducoh, Ky.

442-9389.