Yankees to Get Abreu and Lidle in Trade

According to ESPN - the Phillies will be sending outfielder Bobby Abreu and starter Corey Lidle to the Yankees in exchange for 4 top prospects.

As a Red Sox fan - I like this trade very much. Let me explain why.

When the Yankees were winning championships in the 1990's it was mainly around a core group of players who had come up through the Yankee farm system like Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte. The buy all the top free agents and take on the big contracts method to managing the roster has gotten them nothing. This trade further empties the Yankees cupboards of prospects and means they will have to continue with the duct tape with high priced older player approach.

On top of that - I'm not really that impressed with either Abreu or Lidle.

Bobby Abreu has topped 30 HR only twice and comes with a contract that will pay him $15 million in 2007 and $16 million in 2008 (team option but may have to be picked up in order for Abreu to waive his no-trade clause). Sure the short porch in right seems custom made for him but big deal. The bandbox park in Philadelphia is supposed to be custom made for Abreu too but he's only got 8 HR this year (for comparison sake - Red Sox SS Alex Gonzalez has 8 HR this season). Put me in the school of thought that thinks Abreu is over-rated and over-paid.

I am also interested to see how the team chemistry reacts when Matsui and Sheffield both come back from injury. There just won't be enough at bats for all three players (especially with Giambi taking up the DH slot). Sheffield is in his free agent year and you know he'll make a stink if he feels he isn't getting enough playing time. This should be fun to watch.

Corey Lidle is in short nothing special. Average would be the best word to describe him.

EDIT: Earlier I said the Yankees were sending "top prospects" to the Phillies but it looks now that flotsam and jetsam were sent to Philadelphia. I still like the trade from the Red Sox perspective.