BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Strawberry Back in Swing of Things

Darryl Strawberry took about 40 swings in the batting cage Tuesday, the first time he has swung a bat since June 16. Strawberry, who has been on the disabled list since trying to strengthen his surgically repaired back, said afterward that it feels good to do baseball things again.

“I worked hard the last two months and stayed away from baseball things so it feels great to be healthy and get back, “ Strawberry said. “I need to take it one day at a time and continue to work hard and eventually I will be doing everything. This is not a situation where I want to rush getting back. This is a test for me to know where I am coming into next season.”

Fred Claire, Dodger executive vice president, said: “I would like to see him play again this season, but this is just one step in a long road. It’s going to be awhile.”

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After speaking with John Dreifort, the father of right-handed reliever Darren Dreifort on Tuesday for about 20 minutes, Claire said he was hopeful that the Dodgers will sign their No. 1 draft pick. Carol Dreifort, Darren’s mother, said that the Dodgers did not improve on their offer of about $1.2 million, but negotiations remain open. The sticking point has been a three-year major league contract, which the Dodgers have never offered anybody. The Dreiforts also wanted a signing bonus of $1.55 million, but Claire said said he will not increase the money offer.

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Jose Offerman stole his 25th base of the season Tuesday night, giving the Dodgers three players who have stolen at least 25 bases for the first time since 1903--Eric Davis has stolen 32 and Brett Butler 29. . . . William Powers, the attorney for the fan who claims he was abused by Dodger security guards on July 18, canceled a news conference that he had scheduled for Thursday. No explanation was given.