The Associated Press

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The widow of Steve Bechler plans to sue the manufacturer of a dietary supplement the Baltimore Orioles pitcher was believed to be taking before his death.

Bechler, 23, died Feb. 17 from heatstroke after collapsing during a workout at training camp. In his preliminary autopsy report, Broward County chief medical examiner Dr. Joshua Perper linked Bechler's death to a diet supplement that contains ephedra.

A bottle of Xenadrine RFA-1, an over-the-counter weight-loss product containing ephedra, was found in Bechler's locker after he collapsed.

"The way we see it, Steve Bechler is dead, and ephedra is the primary cause of death," David Meiselman, the lawyer for Kiley Bechler, said Tuesday.

Perper plans to release the final toxicology report in about two weeks.

"We will wait for the toxicology report to come back, do our homework, then go hunting for the company that distributes this drug," Meiselman said. "This drug is a killer. Our real concern is to get this poison off the shelves."

Cytodyne Technologies of Manasquan, N.J., the supplement's manufacturer, said it was "reckless and irresponsible for an attorney to prematurely place blame or deflect responsibility to others for the events leading up to Mr. Bechler's death."

Said Meiselman: "It's important to note that three days before his death, Steve Bechler passed a physical exam to play baseball."

Perper said Tuesday that Bechler was overweight, had borderline high blood pressure and an enlarged heart. The doctor also said that two years ago, Bechler was diagnosed with an abnormal liver, a finding confirmed during the autopsy. Perper also noted there was very little solid food in Bechler's digestive tract.

DODGERS: Darren Dreifort took another step in his comeback from elbow and knee surgeries by throwing two scoreless innings Tuesday in an intrasquad game.

He struck out two and allowed only a first-inning single to rookie second baseman Joe Thurston.

"It seems he has a better idea and better command than two years ago," pitching coach Jim Colborn said. "His delivery was smooth."

BREWERS: Right-hander Nick Neugebauer will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder Friday in Los Angeles.

The Brewers won't know until after the operation how long Neugebauer will be out, although the hard thrower said last week he's steeling himself for the possibility of missing the entire 2003 season.

ROCKIES: Second baseman Ronnie Belliard has a sprained ankle, the Colorado Rockies' first injury of spring training.

Belliard was a limited participant in Tuesday's workout after twisting his right ankle in a running drill Monday.

Manager Clint Hurdle said Belliard might not play in today's intrasquad game for precautionary reasons.

YANKEES: Second baseman Alfonso Soriano isn't concerned the team may unilaterally renew his contract.

New York general manager Brian Cashman and Soriano's agent, Don Nomura, talked about a one-year deal Tuesday. Because Soriano didn't have enough service time to be eligible for arbitration, the Yankees can decide from March 2-11 to renew his deal at a salary of their choosing, as long as it doesn't violate the maximum cut rule.

Soriano made $630,000 last year in the final season of a multiyear contract. He hit .300 last year with 39 homers, 41 steals and 102 RBI.

"I understand it," Soriano said. "It doesn't bother me. I don't have nothing now on my mind but to play."

Cashman said a long-term deal for Soriano wasn't discussed. Soriano isn't eligible for free agency until after the 2006 season, and a multiyear contract would only increase the amount of luxury tax New York will pay this year. The Yankees' bill is projected at about $11 million by the commissioner's office.