Canseco Gets Job With the Expos

Jose Canseco got a job with the Montreal Expos, and Darryl Strawberry got a job offer from the New York Yankees. <br><br>Tim Hudson, meanwhile, had the scariest moment at spring training Tuesday. The Oakland

Wednesday, February 20th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Jose Canseco got a job with the Montreal Expos, and Darryl Strawberry got a job offer from the New York Yankees.

Tim Hudson, meanwhile, had the scariest moment at spring training Tuesday. The Oakland ace sprained his left ankle during a fielding drill and was taken to a hospital for X-rays.

``As of now, I think I'll be fine,'' Hudson said. ``I've twisted my ankle before and it's been a little worse than it is now. But I got a scare. It was definitely a shock at first. You never know how bad the sprain is until you get it looked at.''

Hudson hurt himself in Phoenix while fielding a ground ball and running toward first base.

Hudson, 49-17 lifetime in the majors, was driven off the field on a motorized cart and taken to a training room. His ankle was put into a protective splint.

The 26-year-old righty was 18-9 with a 3.37 ERA last year. He was a 20-game winner in 2000.

Canseco, who's spent his entire career in the AL and primarily has been a designated hitter in recent years, signed a minor league contract with the Expos on Tuesday and was invited to camp.

Canseco, 37, is expected to join the Expos for their first full-squad workout Thursday at Jupiter, Fla. He ranks 22nd on the career home run list with 462.

``He was a free agent and was available, so I thought he was worth trying,'' Expos general manager Omar Minaya said. ``He is a veteran player, a power hitter who still has incentive since he is trying to reach the 500-home run mark.''

Canseco signed last June with the Chicago White Sox and hit 16 home runs with 49 RBIs while batting .258 in 256 at-bats.

In the last three seasons, Canseco has played just 13 games in the field. He made two appearances in the outfield last season.

A six-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year and MVP, he has played for Oakland, Texas, Boston, Toronto, Tampa Bay, the Yankees and the White Sox.

Strawberry, who once was on the path to 500 home runs, was offered a spot by New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner to become a player development coach after completing court-mandated drug treatment.

``He will join me,'' Steinbrenner said in Tampa, Fla. ``He will come with us. He knows he has a place to go.''

Strawberry was sentenced May 18 to two years' house arrest at a rural Florida drug treatment center.

Steinbrenner has been monitoring the progress of the eight-time All-Star and said he deserves another opportunity.

``I'll take that chance,'' Steinbrenner said. ``You got to reach out and help.''

The position likely would involve working with minor league players at the Yankees' complex in Florida.

Steinbrenner and about 500 fans watched the Yankees hold their first full-squad workout.

The core group of returning players, such as Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams, spent time with new additions such as Jason Giambi and Robin Ventura.

Former teammates, including Paul O'Neill, Scott Brosius and Tino Martinez, were fondly remembered.

``Things are a little weird,'' Jeter said. ``It's a new chapter. It takes a little time.''

Giambi drew a big cheer from the crowd when he homered during his second round of batting practice.

``It was exciting to finally put on the uniform,'' Giambi said. ``It's exciting, a dream come true.''