Steroid violation benches Lawton

Former All-Star outfielder Matt Lawton was suspended yesterday for a positive steroids test, becoming the 12th player penalized for violating major league baseball's policy.

Lawton, acquired by the Yankees from the Chicago Cubs on Aug. 27 and then left off New York's postseason roster, became a free agent last Thursday. He will serve a 10-day suspension at the start of next season.

''I made a terrible and foolish mistake that I will regret for the rest of my life," Lawton said in a statement that he read over the telephone to The Associated Press. ''I take full responsibility for my actions and did not appeal my suspension."

The substance he tested positive for was boldenone, said a person familiar with the tests results, speaking on condition of anonymity because drug-test results in baseball are supposed to remain secret.

An All-Star with Minnesota in 2000 and Cleveland in 2004, Lawton hit a combined .254 with 13 homers and 53 RBIs this season for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cubs and Yankees.

Ray of hope

The Devil Rays are expected to hire former Houston general manager Gerry Hunsicker as a team executive, the latest move in their front office makeover.

The Devil Rays, who began discussions with Hunsicker last month, scheduled an afternoon announcement for today.

Tampa Bay is looking for a new general manager, but it's unclear what role Hunsicker would fill. Indications are that he would not assume the vacant title of GM.

Know when to fold 'em

Alex Rodriguez was cautioned by the New York Yankees that playing poker in illegal clubs could be dangerous and harmful to his image, according to a newspaper report. Early last month, the Daily News reported the star slugger had attended games at an underground club with professional card player Phil Hellmuth. Playing at such clubs is not illegal, though it can be against the law to operate them, the Daily News reported . . . Pat Gillick, whose resume includes two World Series titles and nine playoff appearances with three teams, signed a three-year contract to become the Philadelphia Phillies' new general manager. Gillick, 68, led Toronto to consecutive championships in 1992-93 . . . Carl Lindner agreed to sell the controlling interest in the Reds to a group of area businessmen, keeping baseball's first professional franchise in local hands. The group is headed by Robert Castellini . . . Pitcher Eddie Guardado's $6.25 million option for next year was exercised by the Mariners. The 35-year-old lefthander had 36 saves last season . . . Pirates lefthander Mark Redman exercised his $4.5 million option for 2006. Redman went 5-15 with a 4.90 ERA in 2005 . . . Lefthander Jamie Walker's $1.25 million option for 2006 was exercised by the Tigers . . . Former Baltimore manager Lee Mazzilli rejoined the Yankees as Joe Torre's bench coach.