BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Strawberry’s Name Surfaces Again in News Report on IRS Investigation

It took 13 days of spring training before controversy found Darryl Strawberry, and the news that surfaced Wednesday was a little more than rehash of an issue that has plagued Strawberry for two years.

The New York Daily News reported that Strawberry is getting closer to being indicted for federal income tax evasion, a result of an investigation first reported in June. The report, quoting sources, said that Strawberry failed to disclose “in excess of $300,000” of income from signing autographs at baseball card and memorabilia shows, dating to 1988. It also said Strawberry had recently hired an attorney to work out a plea bargain.

At Dodgertown on Wednesday in Vero Beach, Fla., Strawberry said he had done nothing wrong. He said he hired attorney Marty Gelfand of Los Angeles about six months ago, who has told him there is no problem.

“Don’t you think he (Marty) would have told me if he was working out a plea bargain?” Strawberry said.

The report surfaced at a time when things seemingly are going well for Strawberry. This spring, he has received rave reviews by the club for his attitude, work ethic and performance. “I don’t think anything will disrupt me now from what I want to achieve,” Strawberry said. “. . . You live and learn you can’t change things that you’ve done, all you can do is to correct yourself from that point.”

Fred Claire, Dodger executive vice president, has made it clear he will continue to give Strawberry a chance to turn things around, providing there are no new problems and the old ones are adequately resolved. Claire said that although he is aware of the reports, he has never been contacted by the IRS or any agency, and has no information.

The Daily News reported that the investigation, by the IRS and the U.S. attorney’s office in White Plains, N.Y., includes former Mets Lenny Dykstra and Howard Johnson and former Dodger Eric Davis. The probe centers on the Mets’ 1986 championship team, but only Strawberry is facing criminal charges, the report said.

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Tom Candiotti will start in Friday’s opening exhibition game against the New York Mets at Port St. Lucie. Greg Hansell, Roger McDowell and Jim Gott are scheduled to follow. For the Mets, Pete Smith, Frank Seminara, Mike Maddux and Mauro Gozzo will pitch.