Blue Jays Might Sign Steve Howe, His Agent Claims

Left-handed reliever Steve Howe, who has had a history of drug use, is expected to be signed by the Toronto Blue Jays, according to the Toronto Globe and Mail.

“The chances are excellent that Steve will be with the Jays within a week to 10 days,” said John Lence, Howe’s agent, who said he spent the last three days in negotiations at his Montana home with Gord Ash, the Blue Jay director of player personnel.

However, Toronto Executive Vice President Pat Gillick denied the club is on the verge of signing Howe.

“He (Lence) called to give us some more information on how Steve has been doing,” Gillick said. “They were definitely not negotiations. Lence is just trying to create some interest in his client.”

Howe, 28, who has gone through drug rehabilitation on four occasions, currently is pitching for the San Jose Bees of the Class A California League.

Howe, the National League’s Rookie of the Year in 1980 with the Dodgers, was released by them last July after a number of drug-related problems.

Howe then signed with the Minnesota Twins on Aug. 12 but was released Sept. 17.

“It (Toronto) is the one organization that has been very up front with us and has been very fair in giving us a chance to give our side of the story,” Lence said.

In 13 games with the Bees, Howe has a 1.57 earned-run average, 37 strikeouts and 5 walks in 49 innings.