Yankees pick up Abreu for stretch run
Bobby Abreu has another chance to prove he can thrive under playoff pressure.
The New York Yankees acquired the two-time All-Star right fielder and starting pitcher Cory Lidle from the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday for four minor league prospects.
Desperate for pitching and a productive bat in their depleted outfield, the Yankees took on Abreu’s hefty contract, hoping he can help them catch first-place Boston in the A.L. East.
One of the most underrated players in the league for years, Abreu made his first trip to the All-Star game in 2004 and thrust himself into the national spotlight with a tremendous power display in the Home Run Derby during All-Star week last year, hitting a record 41 homers.
“It’s a team everyone wants to go to,” said Abreu, who slumped badly in the second half last season when the Phillies finished one game behind N.L. wild-card winner Houston.
A .301 career hitter, Abreu fills a major void in the lineup. New York has been without injured outfielders Gary Sheffield and Hideki Matsui for most of the season.
Abreu’s arrival could mean Sheffield won’t return to New York next year. The Yankees hold a $13 million option on his contract for 2007.
The Phillies get left-hander Matt Smith and Class-A shortstop C.J. Henry – a first-round draft pick in 2005. They also landed rookie league catcher Jesus Sanchez and right-hander Carlos Monasterios.
“You never think you got enough, but we’re happy with what we got,” general manager Pat Gillick said.
Abreu was batting .277 with eight homers and 65 RBIs. His 91 walks led the majors and his .427 on-base percentage was third in the National League. He has 198 home runs and 841 RBIs over 10 seasons.
Cardinals land Belliard
The St. Louis Cardinals have improved their infield, acquiring second baseman Ronnie Belliard from Cleveland for Hector Luna in the latest move by the underachieving Indians.
Belliard, an All-Star in 2004, gives the N.L. Central-leading Cardinals a steady, everyday second baseman for the stretch run. St. Louis has used Aaron Miles and Luna at second this season, but neither has been particularly productive at the plate.
“Sometimes you have to seize the moment,” Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said. “This is our chance to win.”
Belliard was batting .291 with eight homers and 44 RBIs this season.
Clearing the bases
The Los Angeles Angels placed Bartolo Colon, the 2005 A.L. Cy Young Award winner, on the 15-day disabled list with tendinitis in his right triceps. … The Atlanta Braves placed Chipper Jones back on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique muscle and designated Jorge Sosa for assignment. … The Tampa Bay Devil Rays placed All-Star pitcher Scott Kazmir and infielder Ty Wigginton on the 15-day disabled list. Kazmir went on the DL, retroactive to July 24, with soreness in his left shoulder. Wigginton has a broken bone in his left hand. … Former Seattle Mariner Ryan Franklin was designated for assignment by the Philadelphia Phillies, ending a disappointing stint where the right-hander never adjusted to his new role in the bullpen. … The Texas Rangers traded right-handed reliever Bryan Corey to the Boston Red Sox for minor league pitcher Luis Mendoza.