KMAX: Sports

Yankees acquire Boone, White; send Ventura to Dodgers

By JOHN NADEL
AP Sports Writer

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) Always looking to improve for their postseason push, the New York Yankees made three more deals Thursday.

The way the Boston Red Sox have been wheeling and dealing, that was probably a necessity.

New York acquired All-Star third baseman Aaron Boone and left-handed reliever Gabe White from the payroll-slashing Cincinnati Reds, and also traded third baseman Robin Ventura to Los Angeles.

``You always have to keep in mind that the Yankees' future is now,'' manager Joe Torre said before the AL East Division leaders played Anaheim.

Boone is a significant upgrade at third base from Ventura, who was dealt to the Dodgers for a pair of minor leaguers. And even though White is on the disabled list, he figures to help in the bullpen when he's ready.

To get Boone, the Yankees gave up left-hander Brandon Claussen their top pitching prospect another minor leaguer and $1 million.

Boone was traded three days after the Reds fired his father, Bob, as manager.

Then came the Ventura trade, and finally, a few minutes before the non-waiver trade deadline, the Yankees acquired White for a player to be agreed upon.

``It's flattering and humbling,'' Boone said in Cincinnati of being traded to the Yankees. ``Hopefully, I can be one of those pieces that kind of does the trick.''

The Reds' about-face firing their general manager and manager on Monday, then offering players for the best deal significantly changed the last days before the trading deadline.

``They've had a change of direction,'' Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. ``All of baseball reacted to that. When the Reds' situation changed, it created a whole new market.''

The Yankees led the Boston Red Sox by 2{ games and were intent on bolstering its batting order to keep pace with the Red Sox, who have also been active on the trade market.

``They're helping themselves all they can,'' Torre said of the Red Sox.

New York and the Boston Red Sox have been locked in an arms race as they fight for the AL East title, and both benefited from the Reds' sudden change of heart.

While the first-place Yankees have recently added relievers Armando Benitez, Jesse Orosco and White, the Red Sox have traded for pitchers Scott Williamson, Byung-Hyun Kim, Scott Sauerbeck and Jeff Suppan.

Boone, 30, was hitting .273 with 18 home runs, a team-high 65 RBIs and a team-leading 15 steals. Ventura was stuck in a prolonged slump, batting .251 with nine home runs none in July and 42 RBIs.

Boone is not eligible for free agency until after the 2004 season.

``He's a very energetic young man,'' Torre said. ``He's got power. He's got speed. He's aggressive, he doesn't shy away from anything.

``I think we have a third baseman now for this year, next year, beyond. I think he's still on the upslope.''

Of White, Torre said: ``We've liked him for a long time.''

Boone expects to join the Yankees for their game Friday night at Oakland. There had been rumors he might get traded to Seattle where brother Bret plays or the Dodgers.

``It's been probably one of the most hectic, crazy weeks of my life,'' Boone said.

Regarding the trade of Claussen, Torre said: ``You can't get quality without giving quality. Sure, it's tough, giving up Brandon Claussen.''

The 36-year-old Ventura said he was disappointed about the trade.

``The guys are great, Joe and his staff are great,'' he said. ``But I understand the game and you live with it.

``If I had to get traded anywhere, I'm glad it's (to the Dodgers). I grew up in California and they're still in the race.''

Torre said Ventura will be missed, especially in the clubhouse.

``He's a winner, that's the best thing I can tell you,'' Torre said. ``He's got the ability to hit home runs even though he's gotten older. Even though the bottom line numbers don't show it, he can do a lot of things.

``It was a tough phone call to make. I just told him it was an honor to have him on my club.''

Ventura might play some first base with the Dodgers since Fred McGriff is sidelined indefinitely with groin and knee injuries.

``That's fine, I've played there before. I'll go and do anything they want,'' Ventura said.

``He can play first, he has good hands, he has good reactions,'' Torre said. ``He's willing to play second, he's willing to play short. He's a great player to have around.''

The Yankees got outfielder Bubba Crosby and right-handed pitcher Scott Proctor for Ventura.

The Dodgers will pay the remainder of Ventura's salary this year.

``I'm disappointed that he's gone,'' Yankees catcher Jorge Posada said of Ventura, ``but you've got to look at the bright side and look at the positives. We've got a third baseman who plays to win and is going to bring a lot of power to the lineup.

``Aaron Boone is obviously an All-Star, he's younger and he's hopefully going to be here for a long time. He's got good years ahead of him, so that makes the team a lot better.''

Posada called Ventura one of the better teammates he's ever had.

White, 31, was 3-0 with 3.93 ERA in 34 relief appearances. He has been on the disabled list since June 25 because of a strained left groin. The Yankees expect him to be out for about three more weeks.

``This is an opportunity to go to the greatest team ever,'' White said. ``If you ask anybody who they'd like to play for, they'd tell you the Yankees. It's unbelievable.''

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