ANAHEIM – The Yankees watched Robin Ventura’s swing slow down to the point where it appeared he was trying to move his bat under water. Privately, the team knew something had to be done about upgrading third base. Even if the Yankees loved everything about Ventura.
Yesterday, after the Yanks acquired 30-year-old Aaron Boone from the Reds for pitchers Brandon Claussen, Charlie Manning and $1 million, the Yankees shipped Ventura, 36, to the Dodgers for minor-league outfielder Bubba Crosby and right-handed pitcher Scott Proctor.
“He did a tremendous job as a Yankee,” GM Brian Cashman said of Ventura, who was batting .251 with nine homers and 42 RBIs. “I can’t say enough about what Robin was here for us, and how he was in the clubhouse as well.
“But the fact of the matter is, because of the stage in his career, it was likely that we would be looking for a third baseman this winter. I think third base is the most difficult position to fill in the major leagues. When Aaron Boone became available, we felt it was one of those rare opportunities, and one of those opportunities we couldn’t pass up. It’s not only a deal for next year, but [it] upgrades that position significantly at third base this year.”
Ventura was a little down about leaving the Yankees, even for a chance to play in Southern California for a team he grew up rooting for.
“I am disappointed; it’s a good place to play,” said Ventura, who will play some first base for the Dodgers. “The guys are great. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed. But I understand what they are doing and live with it.”
Crosby, 26, was batting .361 (100-for-277) with 12 HR and 57 RBIs in 76 games with Las Vegas (Triple-A). His average and .635 slugging percentage lead the Pacific Coast League. Crosby was selected by the Dodgers in the first-round (23rd overall) of the 1998 draft. He will report to Columbus (Triple-A).
Proctor, 28, was 5-4 with a 2.58 ERA in 41 relief appearances with Double-A Jacksonville and Las Vegas. He also will report to Columbus.
Making room
The Yankees traded third baseman Robin Ventura to the Dodgers yesterday for two minor-leaguers, clearing the position for Aaron Boone.
Here’s a look at the deal:
DODGERS GET
Robin Ventura
36-year-old lefty-hitting third baseman
Acquired from Mets prior to 2001 season
This season:
.251, 9 HR, 42 RBIs
Last season:
.247, 27 HR, 93 RBIs
YANKEES GET
Bubba Crosby
26-year-old lefty-hitting outfielder
Drafted in first round, 1998
Leading PCL in batting
This season at Triple-A Las Vegas
.361, 12 HR, 57 RBIs
Scott Proctor
28-year-old right-handed pitcher
Drafted in fifth round, 1998
This season at Double-A Jacksonville
and Triple-A Las Vegas
5-4, 2.58 ERA in relief
