Originally posted by plawrence:
Right now, I think the Yanks need to replace Sheffield

Originally posted by plawrence:
reduce Posada's workload

Originally posted by plawrence:
and think about replacing RJ and Moose in the not-too-distant-future.

Originally posted by Irishman12:
I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who considers both of those wins "flukes" (same thing with the Marlins in 2003)

Originally posted by Double-J:
[quote]Originally posted by plawrence:
[b] Right now, I think the Yanks need to replace Sheffield

Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Yeah, especially the Yankee fans that me and DJ like to refer to as bitches.

Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
How, what a RANDOM hate list.

Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
BTW, who the hell are the "Astro"? Are they a European French ballclub or something?

Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
But no hate for the Cubbies or White Sox fanbase? Really, you're so limited.

Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Anyway, why get so touchy after I wrote a smart-ass reponse? Did I brutally insult the inner-Mick within you a little too much?

NEW YORK -- The Yankees solved two of their problems with one trade on Sunday, acquiring right fielder Bobby Abreu and right-hander Cory Lidle from the Phillies for four Minor League prospects.

New York sent shortstop C.J. Henry, left-hander Matt Smith, catcher Jesus Sanchez and right-hander Carlos Monasterios to Philadelphia for Abreu, a two-time National League All-Star and 2005 Gold Glove winner.

"He gives us an experienced, left-handed bat; an everyday, grinder-type player," Joe Torre said. "I've been very impressed with the way Bobby Abreu plays his game for a long time. He's a good fit for us right now at a position we were trying to find a day-to-day solution."

"It's a good team; they have such good players over there," Abreu said of the Yankees. "Those guys have been to the World Series a long time. To play with those guys -- Jeter, A-Rod and Giambi and those guys -- it's going to make me feel good."

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.

"I just want him to do what he's been doing," said general manager Brian Cashman. "We're not looking for a home run hitter; we're looking for somebody who has a number of different weapons who can help you. He's still an offensive force."

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.

"We feel we've had a chance to upgrade significantly in right field," Cashman said. "Bobby comes with some weapons that can put pressure on, whether it's taking a walk, stealing a base, hitting a double, triple or home run."

The Yankees did not have to pick up Abreu's $15 million option for 2008 in order to get him to waive his no-trade clause, as the Phillies gave him $1.5 million to do so. New York will pay Abreu $4.4 million for the remainder of 2006 and $15 million in 2007. The Yankees retain the option for 2008, which they can buy out for $2 million.

"There's been a lot of talk the last few days on the baseball side of it before the decision was made to go for it from the financial side of it," Torre said. "We think Bobby Abreu is a good player; he's not just a quick fix."

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.

Cashman and Phillies GM Pat Gillick had been working on several trade scenarios over the past few days, including one which would have sent Scott Proctor to Philadelphia for Abreu.

"Two days ago, it was a whole different equation that we were working on," Cashman said. "You just don't know how things are going to shake out."

Offers went back and forth, and after the two men agreed on the prospects that would go to the Phillies, Cashman and Yankees president Randy Levine called owner George Steinbrenner Sunday morning to make their recommendation. Steinbrenner gave them his blessing to make the deal, which was officially announced after the Yankees' 4-2 win over the Devil Rays.

"He knows what kind of player Bobby is; everybody knows what he's done for a long time in Philadelphia," Cashman said. "These aren't easy decisions; I know it wasn't for me. It's a lot of money [and] it's a big commitment; we're trying to win now and give this team reinforcements."

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 Phillies, so he could start on Thursday in Ponson's place against Toronto.

"I wouldn't have done this if I didn't get a pitcher back," Cashman said. "I had to have Cory Lidle or this doesn't get done. We have a good team, but this has some exposure in areas."

"He's one of those pitchers that, when he's on, can give you a lot of trouble," Torre said. "He's not overpowering, but he's got enough weapons to make teams work very hard."

Cashman managed to acquire both a big bat for the middle of the lineup and a starting pitcher for the back end of the rotation without dealing away any of the club's blue-chip prospects, most notably Philip Hughes and Jose Tabata.

"The Phillies got prospects in this deal, but there were certain guys that, at this point in time, I was unwilling to give up," Cashman said. "[Players such as] Phil Hughes and Tabata, there are a lot of guys I was looking to protect."

Henry, the Yankees' first-round draft pick in 2005, was hitting .237 with two homers, 33 RBIs and 14 stolen bases in 76 games this season with Class A Charleston.

Smith has spent the 2006 season shuttling back and forth between New York and Triple-A Columbus, posting impressive numbers in both places. The left-hander, who did not allow a run in 12 appearances with the Yankees this season, is 0-1 with a 2.08 ERA in 24 relief outings for the Clippers.

Sanchez hit .264 with no homers and 10 RBIs in 23 games for the Gulf Coast League Yankees, while Monasterios went 1-2 with a 2.97 ERA in seven games (three starts) for the GCL Yankees.

"The Yankees only deal for the present," Torre said. "We made this move for right now. We gave up some young players that are going to be a part of the future somewhere else."

Both Abreu and Lidle are expected to join the Yankees on Tuesday. The club did not announce any corresponding roster moves, though Ponson and Guiel appear to be the likely candidates to be designated for assignment, though Bubba Crosby, Shawn Chacon and T.J. Beam are possibilities as well.

"We have a sprint that we're ready to take on," Cashman said. "It's tough competition in this league, so hopefully we're a little better prepared to withstand the next two months with the moves we just did."

The deadline isn't until late Monday afternoon, but Cashman and the Yankees appear to have made the one move they needed to make with 24 hours to spare. That said, the GM didn't rule out the possibility of another deal before the deadline.

"There's time on the clock," Cashman said. "I'm not anticipating things, but we have until 4:00 tomorrow. You never know."

Trade clouds Sheffield's future
Abreu acquisition may signal end of slugger's New York stay
By Mark Feinsand / MLB.com

NEW YORK -- At the beginning of Spring Training, Brian Cashman told Gary Sheffield that he didn't see any reason why the Yankees would not pick up the outfielder's $13 million option for 2007.

Of course, at the time, Sheffield hadn't undergone surgery to fix a serious wrist injury. And Bobby Abreu wasn't wearing pinstripes.

Sunday, that became a reality, as the Yankees dealt for the two-time All-Star, sending four prospects to Philadelphia for Abreu and pitcher Cory Lidle.

Sheffield had left the stadium by the time the trade was announced, but his agent, Rufus Williams, said that Sheffield was excited about the acquisition of Abreu.

"It's all positive," Williams said. "Gary is a team player; Gary hopes that Bobby Abreu can help win them a World Series. That's what he came there for and that's what he's trying to do."

Added Williams: "I don't think you cast Gary away because you bring Bobby Abreu in."

Abreu is owed $4.4 million this season and is guaranteed $15 million in 2007. Throw in the $13 million the Yankees have committed to both Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui, and the 2007 outfield appears to be locked up -- without Sheffield -- for a total of $41 million.

Despite the obvious numbers, Cashman wouldn't say that the Abreu trade meant that the Yankees would not pick up Sheffield's option.

"There's a time and place for those things to be discussed and looked at," Cashman said. "We're trying to finish off something here in '06, so we'll look at '07 at another time."

Joe Torre spoke with Sheffield during Sunday's game to inform him of the possibility of the Abreu trade, telling the outfielder that the move doesn't mean that Sheffield's tenure in pinstripes will be over at the end of this season.

"I told Sheff that, if this deal is done, it doesn't say for sure that we're not going to have him here or pick up his option," the manager said. "That doesn't mean you're making him any promises that you are, but it doesn't mean that, because you get an outfielder, tell him that this is the way it's going to be."

Sheffield, who hasn't played since May because of a torn ligament in his left wrist, is in the final year of a three-year, $39 million contract. Sheffield, who will turn 38 this November, could be limited to designated hitter duties if and when he returns to action in September.

Sheffield hit .291 with 70 home runs and 244 RBIs in his first two seasons with the Yankees, and he was hitting .309 with four homers and 19 RBIs in 30 games before injuring his wrist this season.

"Gary's going to play for three more years; we hope it's with the Yankees," Williams said. "We know what Gary has done; we know what he's capable of doing. The move today doesn't impact how Gary has performed for the team; that's up to them to decide. He's done all that could be asked of him, so he's upbeat."

The Yankees won't have to make a final decision on Sheffield's option until after the season, but it would be hard to imagine the club having the financial room or flexibility on its roster to bring him back at that price tag.

"That's up to the Yankees," Williams said. "Gary has been an incredible player for that team. They'll have to gauge what they think is best. I'm sure Cash and his team will do that."

Yanks welcome newest teammates
Damon: 'These guys are going to help us tremendously'
By Mark Feinsand / MLB.com

NEW YORK -- It didn't take long for word to spread throughout the Yankees clubhouse: Bobby Abreu and Cory Lidle were on their way to New York.

The trade, which sent four prospects to Philadelphia, gives the Yankees a new right fielder and a new starter at the back end of the rotation, two areas New York was hoping to improve.

"I think it's a great move for us," Johnny Damon said. "I think the trade gets us closer to realizing our goal, and that's winning a World Series. These guys are going to help us tremendously."

"We added two aspects that we thought would be helpful for us," Mike Mussina said. "Hopefully the guys come in here and play the way they're capable of playing, not get swallowed up in what New York can become and get us over the top."

Ever since Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield went down with left wrist injuries in May, the Yankees have been using Melky Cabrera in left field and a combination of Bernie Williams, Aaron Guiel and Bubba Crosby in right field.

The loss of Sheffield and Matsui also put a hole in the lineup, taking away two of the team's hitters from the middle of the batting order. Abreu, who saw all but 43 of his plate appearances this season in the No. 3 spot, will likely hit fifth or sixth for New York.

"I know he's a heck of a player," said Alex Rodriguez. "We've been grinding out wins. Hopefully this can bring a little meat to the batting order and make us even better."

"It brings a guy who can get on base on a .400 clip, a guy who has power who kind of needs to find it right now," Damon said. "He just brings a presence at the plate. He's a guy that can turn over the lineup."

One person who was not as excited to hear of the Yankees' addition was Red Sox manager Terry Francona, who managed Abreu from 1998-2000 in Philadelphia.

"He is an impact player," Francona said. "My hope is he stinks. My concern is that he goes over there for a couple of months and he might be one of the best players in baseball, because I think he has that in him. He's a good player."

Abreu is hitting .277 with eight homers and 65 RBIs this season. His .427 on-base percentage ranked third in the National League, so he'll fit right in with the likes of Derek Jeter (.427, 3rd in the AL) and Jason Giambi (.402, 6th in the AL).

"He's a great hitter, there's no doubt about it," Giambi said. "He takes great at-bats, like Jeter, can put a lot of hits together. He can definitely give this offense a shot in the arm."

Sal Fasano, who played with both Abreu and Lidle in Philadelphia this year before being designated for assignment earlier this month, believes that Abreu can help the Yankees over the final two months of the season.

"I think he's really going to like the spotlight," Fasano said. "Bobby's got that kind of magnetic personality; he's always smiling, is energetic and always having a good time. He enjoys being the center of attention. The bigger the stage, I think the better he'll play."

Third-base coach Larry Bowa, who managed Abreu from 2001-04, believes that adding him to the Yankees' lineup can only help the club.

"Bobby is a run producer; he plays the game right," Bowa said. "A lot of people perceive him to be laid back, but when the umpire says, 'Play ball,' he's ready to go.

"He was the main guy in our lineup; him not being the main guy in this lineup, there might be less pressure," Bowa added. "He felt that if he didn't do it in Philadelphia, no one was going to do it. He took a lot of pressure on himself."

Abreu will certainly search out Bowa when he arrives on Tuesday. After all, Bowa currently wears No. 53, which was Abreu's number in Philadelphia.

"We'll talk," Bowa said. "If he can guarantee me that he'll hit .300, I'll give it to him."

The acquisition of Lidle was also good news for the Yankees, who have struggled to fill the fifth spot in the rotation.

"He'll do just fine," said Fasano, who caught him with the Phillies. "He has a good sinker, curveball and split; he throws a lot of strikes and knows how to keep you in the game."

"Lidle will come in and just throw strikes," Mussina said, "[He'll] eat up innings and get ground balls and do what he's done ever since I've known him."

Mussina seemed relieved to learn that Scott Proctor was not part of the trade, as had been reported by several media outlets.

"I would have really had a problem if we traded Scott Proctor, to be honest with you," Mussina said. "Bullpen help is tough to come by, and quality arms that can throw the way he can throw the baseball are not out there to be had at any time.

"It would have been tough to trade some of the guys up here," he added. "These guys have played tremendous baseball for four months. Coming from a guy who has been around a while, seeing those guys stay puts a smile on your face. I don't want anybody to think we don't appreciate what they do."

Proctor was informed by manager Joe Torre after the game that the Abreu trade had been completed, and that he was not a part of the deal.

"It's going to be a real good off-day," Proctor said.

Damon spoke with Abreu when the Yankees played in Philadelphia back in June, saying that he "seemed pretty excited" about the trade possibilities that were ahead of him. Tuesday, Abreu will begin the next chapter of his career, starting in right field while wearing pinstripes at Yankee Stadium.

"His dreams are coming true," Damon said. "He's coming to the best place in the world to play baseball. He's going to enjoy it, but we need him to just be solid."

NEW YORK -- Scott Proctor has heard all of the rumors, but he's doing his best to keep them all in perspective.

One day, he's headed to the Braves for Wilson Betemit. The next day, he's on his way to the Phillies for Bobby Abreu. Who knows where he'll be traded to next.

Until he hears otherwise, Proctor is going forward with the mindset that, when he wakes up on Tuesday, he will still be a member of the New York Yankees.

"We're always confronted with distractions throughout the course of the year, so I'll handle this one like the others," Proctor said. "You have a job to do, so when the phone rings, it's all about getting outs."

That Proctor seems to be coveted by several teams is a sign of his development, as he wasn't even supposed to make the Yankees' roster out of Spring Training. An injury to Aaron Small opened up a spot for Proctor, and he did the rest by becoming one of the team's most reliable arms in the bullpen.

"Gator [Ron Guidry] made a comment today when I told him he better keep me here," Proctor said. "He said, 'Well, you could go back to [stinking] where nobody wants you, then you wouldn't have to worry about it.' I said, 'I think I'll stay where I'm at.' It's been quite a transformation for me this year."

Proctor has already been traded once during his career, as the Dodgers sent him and Bubba Crosby to the Yankees at the trade deadline in 2003. Of course, he was just a Minor Leaguer at the time, so he hadn't established the roots in the clubhouse that he has in New York.

"I have a lot of real good friends here; guys I consider my brothers," Proctor said. "I play to win; this is the ideal place to play if you have a choice."

Proctor doesn't read the papers or watch ESPN, so most of what he hears comes from either teammates and reporters in the clubhouse or from his father, who monitors all of the rumors via the Internet and TV.

"My family pretty much stays up to date on all of the rumors," Proctor said. "I'm just going out and playing baseball. The biggest thing is just making sure that my wife is comfortable; everyone else can fend for themselves until it's over."

The Yankees would have a major hole to fill if they traded Proctor, who leads the American League in appearances and is tops among all big-league relievers in innings pitched with 64.

"You have to make a plan," said Joe Torre of the possibility. "If you're going to lose something in a certain area, you're going to have to find some support from somewhere. You can have a plan, but you still have to go out there and see if it works."

Monday will surely be an anxious day for the 29-year-old, who plans on sleeping late and spending time with his wife and children during the Yankees' off-day.

"The worst part is that we're not going to have a game, so I'll be going about my business and every time that phone rings, I'm going to wonder," Proctor said. "It's going to be a long day. Whatever happens, happens."

Robbie's rehab: Robinson Cano ran the bases at about 80-percent strength on Sunday, and Cashman said he could take part in a simulated game as early as Tuesday.

"He's making progress," general manager Brian Cashman said.

After the simulated game, Cano could move on to Minor League rehab games by Wednesday or Thursday, starting as a designated hitter before working his way back to second base.

Octavio Dotel is hoping to get into Minor League rehab games this week, but Torre isn't counting on getting a meaningful contribution from the right-hander until he sees him on the mound in pinstripes.

"I'd like to believe he can [help]," Torre said. "But even when he gets here, you're going to have to give him rehearsal time because it's not fair to throw him into the heat right away."

Cashman said that Dotel could get into a rehab game as early as Tuesday, but he didn't give a timetable for Dotel's return. Given that he has encountered a pair of setbacks after pitching in rehab games, it is unknown how many games Dotel will need to appear in before joining the Yankees.

Yanks obtain Wilson from Pirates
Club deals away Chacon to upgrade first-base situation
By Mark Feinsand / MLB.com

NEW YORK -- One day after making their big splash with the Bobby Abreu trade, the Yankees made one final move before Monday's non-waiver trade deadline.

Almost a year to the day after acquiring Shawn Chacon to bolster their starting rotation, New York sent the right-hander packing, trading him to the Pirates for Craig Wilson.

The move capped 24 hours in which the Yankees added Abreu to be their new right fielder and Lidle to be their new fifth starter, acquiring the pair from the Phillies for four Minor League prospects.

"On paper, we've had a positive impact; but that's got to translate out on the field," general manager Brian Cashman said. "I think we're better equipped to run the rat race in the final two months, but the competition is so fierce.

"The quality of the teams in this league is so good this year," Cashman added. "All of us tried to put our teams in the position to separate ourselves from the pack, but I'm not sure anybody did that."

Wilson, 29, was hitting .267 with 13 home runs and 41 RBIs in 85 games for Pittsburgh this season. Wilson played 43 games at first base and 30 in right field, and he will likely take away some playing time from Andy Phillips at first base. Wilson will also serve as the Yankees' third catcher.

"I'm definitely excited going to a team that's in contention and has the history that they have," said Wilson in a telephone interview. "I'll be ready for whatever they want me to do. If it's first base, I'll do the best that I can."

"He's a weapon Joe can utilize, because he was used in a lot of ways in Pittsburgh," Cashman said. "He provides Joe [Torre] some flexibility, and there's a lot of value there."

Both Wilson and Phillips are right-handed hitters, but Wilson has a .307 average with a .923 OPS in 88 at-bats against left-handers, while Phillips is hitting .195 with a .481 OPS in 77 at-bats against southpaws this season.

Wilson and Phillips could wind up in a platoon at first base, though that decision will ultimately rest with Torre.

"As we move forward, Andy Phillips is definitely a part of this team," Cashman said. "Joe Torre will have decisions to make on a daily basis on how he wants to attack his opponents. I think the matchups will dictate a lot of what Joe decides to do."

New York also optioned outfielder Aaron Guiel to Triple-A Columbus, opening a roster spot for Abreu. The Yankees will make one more roster move before Tuesday's game, with Bubba Crosby and Nick Green the likely candidates to be sent out.

Wilson, who has played his entire Major League career with the Pirates, said that as exciting as the move is for him, it is also bittersweet.

"It's the only organization I've known in the big leagues, but I guess there comes a point in time that everybody has to move on. This is mine," Wilson said. "The bright side is that I'm with a contender now and I'll be playing meaningful games in August and September, which I've never done before."

Chacon went 7-3 with a 2.85 ERA in 14 games (12 starts) for the Yankees last season, helping lead New York to an eighth consecutive American League East title. He started Game 4 of the AL Division Series, allowing two runs in 6 1/3 innings in a no-decision.

This year, Chacon was penciled in as the Yankees' fourth starter, and he opened the season 4-1 with a 3.68 ERA in his first six starts. But after spending time on the disabled list with a left leg bruise, he was never able to rebound. His record fell to 4-3 while his ERA jumped to 6.71 by July 4, before being yanked from the rotation.

In six relief outings, Chacon is 1-0 with a 9.00 ERA, making him 5-3 with a 7.00 ERA for the season. He had a memorable outing last Wednesday, escaping a no-out, bases-loaded jam against Texas without allowing a run. Three days later, Chacon allowed five runs in 2 2/3 innings against Tampa Bay in what turned out to be his final appearance for the Yankees.

"Shawn Chacon was a big-time pitcher for us last year," Cashman said. "I believe he can get back in line. He pitched very well for us in the second half and the postseason, had a good spring and a good April, and then when he suffered that contusion, it set him off line."

Abreu, Lidle and Wilson are all expected to be in uniform on Tuesday when the Yankees open a three-game series against the Blue Jays. Abreu will step in as the starting right fielder, while Lidle gets the start on Thursday in place of Sidney Ponson.

Neither Boston nor Toronto made any significant moves at the deadline, leaving New York as the most improved club in the AL East.

"We've plugged some holes along the way and obviously made some larger impact decisions; Hopefully they all work out," Cashman said. "The games will have to decide whether everything we've done is for the better."

Originally posted by Sicilian Babe:
I, too, am sad to see Chacon leave. I think he had promise as a reliever, although he supposedly doesn't relish that role. And I think it would be a shame to see Bubba leave, although I'm glad that they didn't trade Melky Cabrera, as had been rumored.

Originally posted by Sicilian Babe:
And damn that Ortiz for being so talented!! I thought for sure that Boston was going to lose last night and tie the Yankees for first. And then Big Papi comes through in the clutch! He's really amazing.

Originally posted by Double-J:
They were just talking about this on Cold Pizza. I think I'd rather walk Ortiz and face Manny. I just think Ortiz is *better*. Both are nasty, but Big Papi is too clutch.

Outfielder joins Yankees, expecting a smooth transition
By Peter Zellen / Special to MLB.com

NEW YORK -- Bobby Abreu came to the Yankees knowing there were a number of preconceived notions floating around regarding New York's new right fielder.

There were questions about Abreu's work ethic while he was in Philadelphia; that he didn't seem to be giving his all on the field.

Some people wondered aloud whether Abreu's personality would mesh with New York City and its unforgiving fans.

Still others took issue with some faulty perception that Abreu can't hit in the clutch and had lost his power stroke.

But all those concerns seemed to roll off Abreu's back as he was introduced to a room full of clicking cameras and questions from about 50 members of the media before Tuesday's game against Toronto.

"It was a lot of tough times the last couple of days with all the talk of trades, finally it went through. Now, I can pretty much get back to normal," Abreu said. "I guess a lot of people don't see me more often on the field, they don't really realize the way I played the game. Now they're going to see how I play the game."

Abreu doesn't know how the talk of him not being a hard worker came about and added that such talk never bothered him.

Abreu also doesn't see any problems getting used to New York. He has an apartment in Manhattan and often spends Christmas in the city. While he hasn't been around the Big Apple during the season -- other than when the Phillies played the Mets the last eight-plus seasons -- Abreu has gotten a taste of what's expected of him.

And, because the Yankees' lineup is stacked with All-Stars, Abreu knows the attention won't just be on him. Hitting fifth, Abreu offers great protection for the likes of Jason Giambi and Alex Rodriguez, while providing an on-base percentage sure to increase RBI opportunities for Jorge Posada and the bottom third of the order.

He did just that on Tuesday against the Blue Jays in his debut at Yankee Stadium. In the fourth inning, Abreu worked a walk after checking his swing on the ninth pitch of the at-bat.

"Bobby, he really pours on the pressure by taking a great [at-bat] right there," said Giambi. "He's going to be big in our lineup, because he can do those little things that maybe don't look like big things on the scorecard but they end up being big situations that help the ball club out."

Abreu's free pass loaded the bases, and one out later Abreu scored on Bernie Williams' bases-clearing double.

"It was pretty good [to be in the middle of the rally]," Abreu said. "It's my first game over here, and we get the win. We're going to continue to win."

"I heard some things about Yankee fans and their support for the players. If you play hard and show them how you play the game and you love it, they support you more," Abreu noted before the game. "I just feel here that I'm going to be fitting into the lineup, into the team, just trying to contribute to win some games. I don't think I'm expected to be 'The Guy' who is going to carry the team; everyone has to contribute to win the game. There's no pressure for no one because they can all help [the team] to win.

"I heard a lot of good things about New York, so I believe it's going to be pretty much the same way [it was in Philadelphia]."

Abreu comes to the Yankees hitting .277 with 91 walks and a .427 on-base percentage, yet most people are focusing on his eight home runs, a low total for a player who smacked 30 homers two years ago and at least 20 in each of the last seven seasons.

That started speculation that Abreu, 32, has lost considerable bat speed, something Abreu quickly denied.

"I've been hitting the ball good, but for some reason I haven't elevated the ball, so I'm getting ground balls," Abreu said. "I'm not just trying to hit home runs. I'm just going to keep working, and I think the homers will start to come."

As for his clutch hitting, Abreu comes in with a .321 career average with men in scoring position and a .333 mark with the bases loaded.

With left fielder Hideki Matsui and center fielder Johnny Damon already under contract, the addition of Abreu, who will receive $15 million next season, means the Yankees have $41 million committed to their outfield next year.

That -- along with Giambi playing as the designated hitter -- might all but preclude the Yankees from picking up Gary Sheffield's $13-million option next year.

With Sheffield shooting for a September return from surgery to repair his left wrist, things could get awkward now that his position is being filled by Abreu. Yet the newest Yankee doesn't have a problem with that either and believes the situation will sort itself out.

"For right now, he's just hurt. I guess when he gets back, we are not the ones who are going to make the decision," Abreu said. "I think we will just concentrate on trying to just help the team win, that's pretty much my [feeling]."

In fact, Abreu got a hug from Sheffield when they first met.

"I wanted him to feel welcomed," said Sheffield of the icebreaker.

Just about the only thing Abreu worried about was getting his old uniform number back. After wearing No. 53 for the Phillies, Abreu arrived seeing third base coach Larry Bowa (his former manager in Philadelphia) wearing that number.

The two came to an arrangement; one Abreu laughed over but didn't want to give details about.

"It was long conversation but ..." said Abreu, proudly sporting a pinstriped jersey with 53 on the back.

Associated Press

NEW YORK -- Gary Sheffield embraced Bobby Abreu's arrival with the New York Yankees, saying he would shift to first base if needed.

"I gave him a hug. I wanted him to feel welcome," Sheffield said Tuesday after Abreu reported to the Yankees, who acquired him in a trade with Philadelphia two days earlier.

Abreu played right field and batted fifth in a 5-1 victory over Toronto, going 0-for-3 and drawing a nine-pitch walk in the fourth inning that set up Bernie Williams' tiebreaking, three-run double.

Sheffield, recovering from left wrist surgery in June, hopes to return in September. Left fielder Hideki Matsui, who broke his left wrist in May, also hopes to return next month, and the Yankees could have four outfielders for three spots.

Manager Joe Torre revealed that he and hitting coach Don Mattingly -- a former All-Star first baseman -- have discussed for several months the possibility of shifting Sheffield from right field to first base. Torre said he would have broached the subject with Sheffield in June if he hadn't gone on the disabled list.

"I talked to Sheff Sunday, before he left, and just told him that there's no guarantee that this makes him odd man out just because we got a right fielder," Torre said. "We may just have to find some other thing to do. I didn't specifically say first base the other day, but we did today. He, Donnie and myself talked today. He's already working drills with Donnie."

Torre said Sheffield told him he had already ordered a first baseman's mitt.

"I think he can play that as a regular," Torre said. "I'd be very surprised if he wouldn't be able to handle the defensive part of that game. He's quick. His hands are good."

Sheffield has played the outfield, shortstop and third base in 18-plus major-league seasons. If he shifted to first base, Jason Giambi would see even more time at designated hitter.

"Who is playing first base for us?" Sheffield said playfully. "If he can do it, I can do it."

Abreu, who is 32, is signed for next year at $15 million, and the Yankees hold a $13 million option on the 37-year-old Sheffield, who at times has expressed dissatisfaction with his contract.

Sheffield was jovial when he spoke in the clubhouse and seemed to take delight that reporters appeared to be trying to find out if the trade upset him.

"It's funny how people could think for you and tell you what you're going to do," he said. "You all think you all know what I'm going to do, and you all don't. Nobody knows. That's the mystique of me."

Sheffield admitted he thrives on having something to motivate himself.

"At this point in my career, I need something," he said. "Everybody always [said] I wouldn't hit home runs when I came to Yankee Stadium, and I just kept that in the back of my mind, that I'm going to prove everybody wrong. And I did that. Whatever the next task is, I'll prove it again. That's what I thrive on.

"Trust me, I'll be laughing at the end. Watch me," he said.

New York's acquisitions of Abreu and Craig Wilson just before Monday's non-waiver trade deadline are likely to cut the playing time of Bernie Williams, Andy Phillips and Bubba Crosby. Torre said Wilson will start Wednesday.

Since hitting a record 41 homers in the Home Run Derby before the 2005 All-Star Game, Abreu has just 14 homers in the regular season -- and none in 132 at-bats since June 13 entering Tuesday.

"I've been hitting the ball very hard but for some reason I haven't elevated the ball," he said. "It's all line drives and groundballs."

He also addressed what he said were "all the rumors that talk about that I didn't hustle."

"They don't really realize the way that I play the game. Now, here, I think everyone is going to see the real thing, how I just play the game," he said. "You guys are going to decide whether it's true or not."

Abreu took No. 53 from third-base coach Larry Bowa, his former manager in Philadelphia. Abreu wouldn't say what he gave Bowa, who shifted to No. 50.

Lidle backs off criticism, but Rhodes keeps firing
Associated Press

ST. LOUIS -- Cory Lidle backed off his critical comments that some of his former Philadelphia Phillies teammates did not expect to win, saying Tuesday that incessant trade talk sapped the team of enthusiasm.

Cory Lidle
Starting Pitcher
New York Yankees

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
GM W L BB K ERA
21 8 7 39 98 4.74

Phillies reliever Arthur Rhodes did not back off his assessment of Lidle, acquired by the Yankees on Sunday, as a player who did not work at his craft and could be found in the clubhouse surfing the Internet or eating ice cream during games.

In talking about his stint with Philadelphia, Lidle said Monday that "on the days I'm pitching, it's almost a coin flip as to know if the guys behind me are going to be there to play 100 percent." He noted he was joining a Yankees team that expects to win all the time.

"That's why I'm most excited about it," Lidle said. "Sometimes I felt I got caught up kind of going into the clubhouse nonchalantly sometimes, because all of the other guys in the clubhouse didn't go there with one goal in mind."

Rhodes responded by calling Lidle, who crossed the picket line during the 1994-95 strike, a "scab," and a player who spent too much time flying his airplane and gambling.

Lidle, 8-7 with a 4.74 ERA in 21 starts with the Phillies, said Tuesday that "what I meant and I think what I said was a little bit different."

"What I meant was over the last couple weeks, when the trade rumors started, we had about 10 to 13 guys that possibly thought they could have been traded. And on any given day, it just seemed like the focus wasn't always on baseball."

Lidle also said he felt he had a good relationship with his ex-teammates.

"I made a lot of good friends in Philadelphia and the last thing that I would want to do is dog anyone in that clubhouse," he said. "If I made it sound like that, it was a mistake."

Rhodes was unimpressed, and chided Lidle again for criticizing the Phillies.

"He backtracked a lot of stuff," Rhodes said. "He's with the Yankees, you know he's going to have to backtrack."

Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel didn't seem overly bothered by the flap, saying it was a predictable occurrence for an underachieving team. The Phillies were 49-55 entering a three-game series in St. Louis on Tuesday night.

"I think sometimes when you're losing a lot of frustration comes out," Manuel said. "Also a lot of finger-pointing or name-dropping."

Still, he took the criticism personally.

"I took it as a shot like we weren't playing hard," Manuel said. "If you watch us, we make mistakes, but we run balls out, we hustle, we do things the right way. We just haven't really been executing right."

Manuel said he's a stickler for players being on the bench when the game starts, although after the first pitch he admitted there was less control.

"During the game sometimes I don't have time to run around and go find my players, but at the same time you're supposed to be on the bench when the game's going on," Manuel said. "I've always addressed those problems, not only with Cory but with anybody else that would do that."

Manuel would not say he was glad Lidle was gone, and would not judge his effort.

"All the years I've been in baseball, there's always somebody on your team that you would question how much he wants to win, but you never can prove it," Manuel said. "I had no problem with Cory at all.

"Matter of fact, if he goes over there and pitches good and helps them, I would pull for him."

Rhodes said he hasn't spoken to Lidle since he confronted the pitcher for being on the Internet during a game in New York in May.

"I told him you've got to be out there for the first pitch and he got mad at me," Rhodes said. "That meant he didn't want to win, he didn't want to go out there and root the team on."

Rhodes also said he's not alone in being critical of Lidle for crossing the picket line in 1995. He said closer Tom Gordon and catcher Mike Lieberthal and "some of the other guys on the team" remained offended.

"It still hurts my feelings," Rhodes said. "Once you cross the picket line, you cross the line, and everybody knows it."

Lidle said Tuesday that he wasn't hurt by being called a scab, but he had thought he and Rhodes had a good relationship. Lidle said they played golf and cards together.

"I didn't expect Arthur, of all people, to say anything," Lidle said. "Me and Arthur got along great over there.

"For that to come out was kind of surprising."

Lidle said different players have different ways of preparing. He said he spends more time in the video room.

"I may not be in the weight room as much as some guys, but I get my work done," he said.

Wilson in a better place; will likely play mostly against left-handed pitchers

NEW YORK -- Even before seeing the Yankee Stadium field for the first time in his career, Craig Wilson knew he was in a better place.

On Monday, Wilson came from the Pirates, who sit in last place in the National League Central at 40-67, to the Yankees, who at 62-41 are in a virtual tie with the Red Sox in the American League East.

"It's kind of like going from the worst team to one of the best," Wilson said. "Five-and-a-half years in Pittsburgh, most of the time, from the All-Star break we were either in last place or second to last place. It's exciting to actually play games in the second half that are meaningful to play beyond the season."

Wilson wasn't in Tuesday's lineup with Toronto's A.J. Burnett on the hill, but he will start on Wednesday against lefty Ted Lilly. Hitting left-handers is a major reason why the Yankees acquired Wilson. He's hitting .307 against left-handers this season and has a .302 average against them in his career. Wilson is batting .267 with 13 homers and 41 RBIs overall this season.

"I wouldn't say I feel more comfortable, it's just somehow the numbers are better against left-handers," Wilson said. "I don't know how to explain it. It just seems like I've hit them a lot better than right-handers."

Andy Phillips, who was getting much of the time at first base, is hitting .186 against lefties this season. He also has been slumping of late. After leading the Yankees with a .333 June batting average, he hit .161 in July.

While neither were in Tuesday's lineup, for now it looks like Wilson will get the nod at first with a lefty on the mound, and possibly for more than that. Manager Joe Torre said he didn't know much about Wilson's fielding capabilities and said he wants to get a look before making any more permanent plans.

"My view on this is the same it was the first day I left Spring Training," Phillips said. "I want to contribute any way that I can and any way they ask me to. That doesn't change whether I'm playing every day or not."

Wilson can also play right field and will also serves as the Yankees' third catcher.

"Pretty much, I'll do anything they want me to do," Wilson said.

Back to back-up: The Yankees have been a different team during the past few months, with Gary Sheffield and Hideki Matsui out. There were new faces with lower salaries and their own scrappiness.

With the acquisition of Bobby Abreu, Cory Lidle and Wilson, that Yankee team will be a thing of the past.

T.J. Beam and Aaron Guiel were sent back to Triple-A Columbus. Sidney Ponson was moved to the bullpen for long relief. Bubba Crosby and Bernie Williams, who have seen more playing time this season, will go back to their usual roles as reserves.

"Right now, when you've been looking to do something, [the role players] have been in the lineup," Torre said. "It's going to help when you get in those close games late in the game and you pinch-run for those guys and not weakening yourself a great deal when you put them in."

Torre said he's proud of the fact that, even with the injuries, tare in the thick of the playoff race. But he added that it would have been a "disservice to everybody connected with this club, including the fans, if you don't [improve the club]."

Williams said he's fine with trades and his now lessened role since that is what he expected this season.

Ponson asked his agent to tell the Yankees that he wanted to stay on with the Yankees no matter what his role would be. He wanted to be a part of the playoff run, something he didn't really experience during eight years in Baltimore.

"It's not disappointing at all," Ponson said. "When they traded for Cory, I knew I was going to be in the bullpen or they were going to release me. I'm just happy to be a part of the Yankees."

Robinson Cano has run the bases. Now, he'll play in his first game. Cano is scheduled to be the designated hitter on Thursday for Class A Tampa. Torre and general manager Brian Cashman don't expect him to return until the Yankees face the White Sox, beginning Aug. 8, at the earliest.

Octavio Dotel threw one rehab inning on Tuesday in the Gulf Coast League, throwing 10 pitches with two strikeouts while hitting 94 mph on his fastball. He's not throwing any sliders because, as Cashman said, the Yankees want this to be his last rehab stint.