Talk about an old fashioned straight salary dump...

The Yankees got a huge offensive upgrade and gave up scrubs as the so called 'Evil Empire' flexed their evil muscles once more. Bobby Abreu along with team mate Cory Lidle were traded to the Bronx for a set of four prospects, two no names, one nice bp guy and a former first round pick who'd had a poor year down in Class A.

Clearly the main part of this deal was saving money, actually stratch that, the only part of the deal was saving money. The Phillies will save $15m next year on Abreu and $4.4m for the rest of 2006. They'll also save just over $1m on Lidle meaning overall they'll be saving around $20m, giving them more flexibility to go after Barry Zito or Jason Schmidt in the off season.

It isn't a move that tips the Yankees over the top, although it is a good move by Cash. We've added a very nice player without giving up any of our first or second tier prospects. I'm not overly keen on Lidle but to be honest, I'm willing to give anyone a shot the way our fifth starter situation is currently.

If everyone comes back and is healthy then the Yankees late season line-up should look something like this...

Damon, CF
Jeter, SS
Giambi, 1B
A-Rod, 3B
Abreu, RF
Sheffield, DH
Matsui, LF
Posada, C
Cano 2B

Looks half decent on paper doesn't it?

No word on who'll make room for Abreu and Lidle as yet, I'm guessing Bubba and Ponson but I'll update when this is confirmed.