Copyright USA Today Information Network Dec 12, 2001
BOSTON -- The New York Mets beat the New York Yankees to the podium. While the Yankees kept trying to sign one of the year's prestige free agents Tuesday, the Mets got themselves a future Hall of Famer.
The Mets hooked up with the Cleveland Indians in an eight-player trade that brings 12-time All-Star second baseman Roberto Alomar to New York. Meanwhile the Yankees' slow bid to sign slugger Jason Giambi inched forward when the first baseman took a physical for the team in Tampa.
"When you have a chance to get a Roberto Alomar, you take it," Mets general manager Steve Phillips said. He sent Cleveland speedy, powerful outfielder Matt Lawton, super center-field prospect Alex Escobar, middle reliever Jerrod Riggan and two players who will be identified Thursday.
Alomar, 33, hit .336 with 20 home runs, 100 RBI and 30 steals last season in another remarkable year that included his 10th Gold Glove Award for defensive excellence.
Alomar's popularity matches his singular ability.
"I'm going to need a flak jacket when I get off the plane," new Cleveland general manager Mark Shapiro said of Tuesday's step in the Indians' offseason cost-cutting to change a power-driven team to one built on youth and speed.
Shapiro made moving Alomar his first trade, a blockbuster that started a parade to the podium at the Boston hotel where baseball is holding its annual winter meetings, which end Thursday.
Phillips said Alomar enhanced his lineup and dramatically upgraded the club's defense once second baseman Edgardo Alfonzo moves to third base to accommodate Alomar.
Alfonzo prefers to stay at second, but "with a chance at Alomar, I had to make the deal," Phillips said.
Seattle and Cleveland were the only playoff teams involved in the flurry of trades Tuesday. Cincinnati, San Diego, Florida, Detroit and the Chicago Cubs also got into the act, looking to cut costs or improve personnel.
Dmitri Young and Juan Encarnacion were the best of the rest of the players traded, and they were dealt for each other, Young to the Tigers, Encarnacion and a reliever to the Reds.
"I expect there will be more (activity today)," Tigers general manager Randy Smith said.