NY Yankees acquire Abreu, Lidle from Phillies
The New York Yankees solved two of their problems with one Major League trade on Sunday, acquiring right fielder Bobby Abreu and right-hander Cory Lidle from the Phillies for four Minor League prospects.
New York Yankees sent shortstop C.J. Henry, left-hander Matt Smith, catcher Jesus Sanchez and right-hander Carlos Monasterios to Philadelphia for Bobby Abreu, a two-time National League All-Star and 2005 Gold Glove winner.
Abreu is hitting .277 this season, but his on-base percentage is a robust .427, third in the NL. After averaging 25 homers per season from 2000-05, Abreu has just eight home runs this year, though he does have 65 RBIs.
Abreu will become the Yankees’ everyday right fielder, moving Bernie Williams and Aaron Guiel to the bench. Melky Cabrera will likely remain the regular left fielder until Hideki Matsui returns from the disabled list next month, at which time the youngster should become a bench player.
Abreu’s arrival probably signals that 2006 will be the final season of Gary Sheffield’s tenure in New York, as the Yankees hold a $13 million option on him for next season. New York now has $41 million committed to Abreu, Matsui and Johnny Damon for 2007.
Cory Lidle went 8-7 with a 4.74 ERA in 21 starts for Philadelphia, posting 13 quality starts. In parts of nine seasons with six different teams, he has a career record of 78-69 with a 4.55 ERA.
Lidle will likely join the back end of the rotation in place of Sidney Ponson, who has started twice for New York since being signed on July 14. Lidle last pitched on Thursday for the Philadelphia Phillies, so he could start on Thursday in Ponson’s place against Toronto.
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