MESA, Ariz. (AP) – Sammy Sosa brushed aside questions about steroid use in baseball, saying he doesn’t know what other players are doing and can’t control anyone but himself.

His only concern is getting the Chicago Cubs to the World Series.

“I really don’t want to make a comment about that because we’ve got a beautiful team here,” he said when asked about steroids following his first spring training workout Tuesday. “We’ve got something else in mind, to come here and play baseball. I don’t want to make a comment because I don’t have anything to talk about.”

Baseball has been under a cloud of suspicion for steroid use for years as players got bigger and offensive numbers skyrocketed, and doubts grew during the offseason. Anonymous survey testing last season showed 5-7 percent of the tests were positive.

Bonds and Jason Giambi appeared in December before a grand jury investigating steroid use. The two repeatedly have denied using drugs and did so again on Monday when they reported to spring training, but that hasn’t stopped the questions.

Players’ physiques are scrutinized, and any weight loss or gain raises eyebrows. Cubs manager Dusty Baker likened the suspicions to McCarthyism, and said all players are being tainted. Asked if he understood why the questions remain, particularly for Bonds, Sosa distanced himself.

“That’s something that Barry Bonds has to deal with himself. I don’t want to even think about it,” said Sosa, who doesn’t look any different than he has in recent years. “I don’t really know and I don’t want to know. I know myself, I know who I am and that’s it.”

The Cubs came within five outs of the World Series last year, and Sosa said it was one of the most “unbelievable” experiences of his career. It was only his second trip to the playoffs, and it left him wanting more.

Nolan Ryan rejoins Astros as adviser

HOUSTON Fifteen years after he left, Nolan Ryan returned to the Houston Astros on Tuesday.

The Hall of Famer, who holds the record for no-hitters (seven) and strikeouts (5,714), signed a five-year personal services contract.

He pitched for Houston from 1980-88, then spent his last five seasons with the Texas Rangers. His 10-year personal services contract with the Rangers ended earlier this month.

“In my mind, I hoped to be involved with the organization after my playing days were over,” he said. “It’s kind of special to be standing here today. I just had kind of a 15-year detour there that I hadn’t anticipated.”

Astros owner Drayton McLane said Ryan will work in all phases of the organization, including on-field instruction.

Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte, both Houston-area residents, signed as free agents with the Astros during the offseason. Clemens remembered seeking advice from Ryan years ago.

“I think it’s awesome,” Clemens said. “I can only tell you the neat experience I had with him when I was younger, and it will only add to this organization.”

Canseco to attend Dodgers’ open workout

VERO BEACH, Fla. – Jose Canseco plans to try out for the Los Angeles Dodgers, 2 years after his last appearance in the major leagues.

The six-time All-Star will attend the Los Angeles Dodgers’ open tryout on March 1.

Canseco last played in the majors in 2001, when he hit .258 with 16 homers for the Chicago White Sox.

He and Mark McGwire teamed in Oakland as the “Bash Brothers,” leading the team to three straight World Series appearances from 1988-90, including the 1989 title. Canseco won the 1988 AL MVP award and has 462 homers, 26th on the career list.

Canseco admitted in 2002 that he used steroids during his career.

Shane Spencer looks

to catch on with Mets

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Shane Spencer was part of three World Series winning teams with the Yankees from 1998-00. He’s now trying to catch on with the crosstown Mets and return to playing before big crowds in New York.

Frustrated by a lack of playing time with the Yankees, Spencer signed with the Cleveland Indians in January 2003, and was traded to the Texas Rangers in July.

Before he can return to New York, Spencer will have to make the Mets roster. He’s competing with Karim Garcia, Roger Cedeno, Timo Perez and Raul Gonzalez for at least a share of playing time in right field.

Spencer, 32, set career bests last season with 12 homers and 49 RBIs in 395 at-bats for the Indians and Rangers.

He has a .260 career average with 55 homers and 216 RBIs.

Spencer said he was close to signing a deal to remain with Texas until the Rangers signed Brian Jordan. Spencer received non-guaranteed, non-roster invitations from several teams before deciding to join the Mets.

“When you don’t have many choices you take a chance and at least it’s not Boston,” Spencer said of the Yankees’ biggest rival. “I don’t think I could do that.”

As the Mets continue to revamp their roster, Spencer would be a veteran with postseason experience. Spencer can play both corners of the outfield and hasn’t played center field since he was in the minor leagues.

“That’s why they have that kid over there,” Spencer said nodding toward Mike Cameron. “It’s nice when that center fielder can just go get it. It makes it easier on us.”

Spoiled by the Yankees’ perennial trips to the playoffs, an early end to playing last year was another thing that took Spencer by surprise.

“I couldn’t believe when I got home last year the fish were still biting,” Spencer said.

Notes: Groundskeepers erected a privacy screen on one of the backfields where infielders take practice, causing a little stir Tuesday. When Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon saw the screen he ordered it taken down. Before the players hit the fields, fans began to talk among themselves that the Mets were trying to keep them from seeing Mike Piazza, Jose Reyes or Kaz Matsui from taking ground balls. Mets vice-president of media relations Jay Horwitz said the screen was put up due to a miscommunication. … OF Cedeno missed practice after having two wisdom teeth removed according to manager Art Howe. … In addition to Spencer, OF Gonzalez and INF Todd Zeile also checked into camp. … The organization still hasn’t decided if they are going to allow C Justin Huber and RHP P.J. Bevis to play in the Olympics for their native Australian team. GM Jim Duquette said that decision would come later in the summer after the Australian baseball team makes an official request.

AP-ES-02-24-04 1758EST